Cover photo for Charles Vernon Ridlinghafer's Obituary
Charles Vernon Ridlinghafer Profile Photo
1941 Charles 2023

Charles Vernon Ridlinghafer

August 27, 1941 — October 10, 2023

Purcell, Oklahoma

     Charles Vernon Ridlinghafer died October 10, 2023, in Purcell, Oklahoma at the age of 82 years 1 month 24 days.  Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Wadley’s Funeral Chapel, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.

     Charles was born August 27, 1941, in Duncan, Oklahoma. He was the third child of five born to Vernon William and Dessie M. (Jarrett) Ridlinghafer. Growing up in Duncan, Charles graduated from Duncan High School in 1959.  On August 3, 1959, Charles answered the call of duty and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. His time in the military was filled with honor and dedication until his honorable discharge on September 7, 1962.  Throughout his lifetime, Charles embraced various careers. From entrepreneur to salesman and eventually developing a finance program for car dealerships later in life, he demonstrated his versatility and commitment to hard work. A man of many talents and interests, Charles took pleasure in reading and remained actively engaged with those around him. Known for his generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever possible, Charles touched numerous lives through his involvement in the church community. He devoted many years teaching Sunday school and served on several boards while tirelessly fundraising for various organizations. On December 1, 2012, Charles found love once again and married Thaya Sue Harper in Purcell. Together, they created a warm and loving home filled with cherished memories.

    Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Dessie Ridlinghafer; his daughters, Beth Walker and Kolleen Winters; his sister, Colleen Winn; his grandchild, Rachel; his great grandchild, James; a nephew, Steven; and a niece, Marilyn.  Survivors include his wife, Thaya; his daughters, Katina and husband, Brian, Krystal and husband, Jack; his grandchildren, Sara, Jaimie, Jacob, Barley, McKensie, Chance, Chase, Kylie and Julia; his great grandchildren, Megan, Tyler, C.J., Benjamin Wayne; his siblings, Bill Ridlinghafer, Ralph Ridlinghafer, and Jane Akins; his nieces and nephews, Sherry, Gary, Philip, John, Robert, Jarrett, and Marlyn; and numerous other relatives and friends.

 

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Service Schedule

Past Services

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Thursday, October 12, 2023

3:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)

Wadley's Funeral Service, Inc

303 W Washington Street, Purcell, OK 73080

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Viewing

Friday, October 13, 2023

8:00am - 8:00 pm (Central time)

Wadley's Funeral Service, Inc

303 W Washington Street, Purcell, OK 73080

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

Wadley's Funeral Service, Inc

303 W Washington Street, Purcell, OK 73080

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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