Charles S. Haralson

 

Charles S. Haralson

1931-2014

 

Charles S. Haralson, age 82 of Edmond, slipped the bonds of this earth for eternal shores on April 8, 2014. A man of remarkable talents and boundless compassion, he was universally beloved by all he encountered. Wry and quick-witted, he was never at a loss for a zippy rejoinder. His twinkling eyes, tender heart and super-tight hugs will be dearly missed.

He served 10 years in the U.S. Air Force, six months stationed on a floating iceberg near the North Pole. He parlayed his electronics expertise into a job with RCA, working at Cape Canaveral on the space race in the 1960’s. Later he joined the Federal Aviation Administration, eventually becoming an instructor and contractor at the Academy. He taught on into his mid 70’s, and was recently recruited at age 81, demurring at last.

He was an avid ham radio operator, and maintained lightning speed in Morse code up until his death. He embraced technology, learning to text and Facebook in his eighties.

He was a native of Nashville, the son of Olin C. and Ruby Mae Haralson. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 59 years, Mary Christine, a local antiques dealer, and by four siblings. He leaves two children: a son, Charles Andrew Haralson (Elizabeth), and daughter Deborah H. Woodward (Kent). He had four grandchildren: Emily and Lillian Haralson, and Jessica and Preston Lee. He also had two great-grandchildren: Kyler and Liam Woodward. Also mourning are nephews Steve Haralson and Leonard Starkey, Jr., and nieces Sheryl Buck and Janice Binkley.

His friends were innumerable. Special thanks to devoted neighbors Dick and Anna Brown. And many thanks to Drs. Phil Adamson and Brook Scott, with Oklahoma Heart Hospital, for years of excellent care.

Perhaps missing him most of all is his West Highland White Terrier, Pokie. A rescue animal, she truly extended Chuck’s life by many years. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Oklahoma Westie Rescue.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 12, 2014 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel. A joint graveside service for both Chuck and his wife will be held at a later date in Nashville, Tennessee.