Charles Grant Schmidt

Charles “Chuck” Schmidt of Oologah, OK passed peacefully from this earth on Sept 23, 2021 at the age of 78.

Charles Grant Schmidt was born to Clifford and Texie Schmidt on March 22, 1943 in Baltimore, Maryland. He spent his childhood in Maryland until he joined the United States Air Force in 1963. Charles was honored to serve his country in the USAF until 1967. It was during this time that he met his beloved wife, Elaine Grace Schmidt and they were married in 1966 in Wichita Falls, TX. Also, during this time, he furthered his Judo career by participating in training and participating in tournaments all over the country. After his service, Charles began working for American Airlines in Tulsa, OK in 1967 where he worked until his retirement in 2000. While at American Airlines Charles worked his way through the ranks achieving positions such as Maintenance Tech Foreman and Air Frame Power Plant Mechanic.

Charles and Elaine were blessed with two sons, Charles Drew Schmidt and Steven Andrew Schmidt, who they raised in the Foyil/Claremore area. Charles continued to be very active in competitive Judo earning National Rankings. Although Charles had to drop out of high school after his father’s death to provide for his mother and sisters, he chose to go back to school at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa while working for American Airlines. Working full time, teaching Judo at ORU as part of his scholarship, and raising young sons, Charles still worked hard and graduated with a degree in business from ORU. Although a dedicated provider for his family and employee he still found time for hobbies and passions such as Elk hunting in Colorado, golf, woodworking and remodeling and building homes for his family.

Charles will be remembered for his deep love for Elaine, his devotion to his family, his admirable work ethics, his red-blooded patriotism, his love for hunting and fishing and his all-encompassing stubbornness that he clung to until the very end.

Charles is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elaine Schmidt of Oologah, OK, his son Charles Drew Schmidt of Tulsa, OK, his son Steven and wife Gretchen Schmidt of Oologah, OK, his grandchildren Nathaniel and Audrey Soares of Oologah, OK, his sisters Carolyn Talbert of Shrewsbury, PA and Linda O’Shea of Franklinton, NC and a multitude of extended family. Charles was proceeded in death by his parents Clifford and Texie Schmidt and his sister Bonnie Gray.

Services to celebrate Charles’s life will be held on Friday October 1, 2021 at 11:00 am located at Oologah Assemble of God, 13462 US-169, Oologah, OK 74053.