Charles Curtis Weeks departed this life on Monday, December 18, 2023 at his home in Wagoner, Oklahoma, at the age of 97.

He was born February 9, 1926 to Lee Andrew Weeks and Lorean Elizabeth Snoddy Weeks in Eureka Springs, Arkansas where he was the third of seven children. When he was little his favorite thing to do was fish off the Kings River bridge.  In order for him to do that he convinced the girls to seine the minnows.  They remained close throughout their lives.

Charles entered the Army soon after graduating from Eureka Springs High School.  He served in the Philippines during WWII earning two bronze stars and later in Korea.  He was not just a witness to history; he actively shaped it through his service in both wars.  Drafted at a young age, he displayed extraordinary courage and commitment.  As a veteran, he carried the weight of memories from the battlefield, reminding us of the sacrifices made for freedom.

He married the love of his life, Darlene Semler, in Harrison, Arkansas, on February 20, 1954, and together they raised five children.  Living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he worked in the construction industry with his father and other family members.

Wanting to get back to his roots he moved the family to the farm at 81st & Mingo where he was able to follow his passion for gardening and raising cattle, while working for Union Schools in transportation.  After many years of raising a family, Charles and Darlene moved to 72 acres in Wagoner, Oklahoma.  Charles had found his spot to do what he loved.  The gardens were plentiful, the ponds were stocked, and the livestock kept him busy.  The grandchildren were always excited to experience farm life with their Papa having learned to drive on the John Deere up and down the lane.  He passed his love for animals down to the grandkids allowing many to have their own goat, calf, chicken, or bull.  When the temperature dropped, he enjoyed the occasional fishing trip to the dock to catch crappie.  The cold weather just added to the excitement of watching the end of the fishing poles waiting for the big catch.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Darlene Weeks; his 5 children and their spouses; 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grand children.

May Charles' spirit live on in our hearts, and may his journey inspire us to live with purpose, gratitude, and a profound appreciation for the freedoms he helped secure.

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Charles will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Assembly of God Church in Wagoner, Oklahoma. There will be a time of viewing before the service beginning at 10 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma at 2:30 p.m. on the same day.