Durward Charles

Durward Leon Charles passed away Saturday, January 25, 2020 in Vinita, Oklahoma. He was born January 21, 1939 in Pryor, Oklahoma the son of Stephen Harlton Charles and Wilma Lorene “Harlton” Charles. Leon was raised in Big Cabin on a dairy farm and graduated from Big Cabin High School the class of 1957. He married the love of his life Fay Ann Bugher on July 18, 1960. They lived in Vinita where he worked at the Vinita Daily Journal as a circulation manager, after many years he worked at Carter’s Grocery and lastly, he drove a bus for the Vinita Public School system because he enjoyed the children. Leon was baptized at Big Cabin Baptist Church and in later years transferred his membership to First Baptist Church Vinita. He loved hunting deer and crappie fishing; played softball with Vinita Jaycees; founding member of Craig County Bow Hunters and a retired volunteer firefighter with the Vinita Fire Department. Leon enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and especially his great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his mother Wilma and father Stephen, one brother Bob Charles and sister-in-law LaVern Charles.

Survivors include his wife of the home Vinita, Fay Ann Charles; one son Douglas Leon Charles of Vinita; two grandchildren Michael Leon Charles and wife Kalli of Vinita, Sarah Elizabeth Roberts of Vinita; one great-granddaughter Kenzely Roberts of Vinita; one sister Ruby Horner of Clifton, Tennessee; one brother Larry Charles of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A family visitation will be Wednesday, January 29, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 at Luginbuel Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 2:00 pm in the Luginbuel Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Lindey LeForce officiating, burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Vinita, Oklahoma.

Services are entrusted to Luginbuel Funeral Home, Vinita, OK. On-line condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com or our Luginbuel Funeral Home Facebook page.