Charles Leon Thompson was born in 1936 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Once released from the hospital, his new adopted family brought him home to Oklahoma, where he would spend much of his life. He was raised around the Vian and Tulsa areas. He was a graduate of the 1954 class of Tulsa Webster and attended Northeastern College prior to enlisting in the Army, where he served one tour of duty in Honolulu, Hawaii. Upon his discharge, he returned to Tulsa to work for American Airlines. It was during this time that he met Betty, who also worked at the Tulsa airport for Braniff Airlines. The couple joined together in marriage on April 27, 1960. A job change brought them to Bartlesville where their pride and joy, Brad, was born. A few years later they returned to Tulsa when Charles joined the Williams Companies. Once back home in Tulsa, Betty & Charles became avid Tulsa Ice Oilers hockey team fans. After attending several seasons, Charles became the official score keeper for the team during the 1970’s and early 1980s. The Tulsa Oilers brought many good friends to the couple, many of which proceeded Charles in death. In the early 1980’s, Charles rejoined Boston Avenue United Methodist Church and where he remained a member the rest of his life. In 1987, Charles & Betty welcomed their daughter-in-law, Sandra, into their lives. Brad and Sandra became the center of their world with new adventures and fun. Once they entered retirement, Charles and Betty enjoyed traveling around the US and in their later years began taking cruises with their family. In 1992 their granddaughter, Samantha, entered their lives. Betty & Charles stayed invested in Samantha’s athletics through her life and into her college years. Grandma and Papa were always there for their little girl. In 2018 Charles and Betty welcomed another member of the family as Samantha married her husband, Trevor Pedigo. On January 10, 2023, Betty & Charles welcomed their Great Granddaughter, Charley Lynn Pedigo into the world. Charles, with his namesake Charley Lynn, spent many days giggling and getting to know each other before Charles’ passing.
Charles was proceeded in death by; Grandmother, Lila Mae Pence, Father, Charles Thompson, Mother, Della Mae Chucolate, Stepmother, Thelma Thompson, and stepfather, Hastings Chucolate.
Charles is survived by his wife; Betty Ann Thompson, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, son, Brad Thompson and spouse, Sandra of Edmond, Oklahoma, granddaughter, Samantha Pedigo, and spouse, Trevor of Aubrey, Texas, great-granddaughter, Charley Lynn Pedigo, also of Aubrey.
Memorial Contributions to be made to USO in Charles’ name.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5111 S. memorial Dr., Tulsa, Oklahoma.
We were saddened to learn of Charlies passing. He will be missed by many friends and family. Bob and I have been remembering our time as neighbors in Tulsa. Thanks to Brad and our son, Curtis, we were able to share a meal together in The Woodlands just before our move from Texas. We enjoyed the opportunity to catch up on many of the events that had taken place in all of our time apart. Special friends can just pick up and enjoy each other no matter how long it has been since you have been apart. We send all of you our love and sincere sympathy, and will hold you forever in our hearts. May God cover you with His love and His comfort. Gay & Bob Pangle
We are honored to have known him even a few short years. He was a kind man who clearly loved his family and his new great granddaughter Charley Lynn. We pray for Betty and the rest of the family as they adjust to this new chapter in their lives.
With much love and care,
Rusty and Tammy Pedigo
Many thoughts and prayers to the Thompson Family. Such great memories of their friendship with my parents while growing up in Tulsa and attending Jenks High School along with Brad. Rarely did they miss watching the boys play football. Betty also known as “my other mother,” and Charlie were always there to lend a hand and help our family whenever called upon.
May the happiness of his memory lighten your hearts in this difficult time.
Jennifer Doyle Walker
Betty and Brad I am so sorry to hear Charles had passed away, if I had heard sooner I would have been the with mom. My deepest sympathies and all my love are with you both. With love Karen Fine Gibble(KK)