Charles Archie Garner

Charles Archie Garner was born on October 20, 1936, in Pawhuska, Oklahoma to Archie Garner and Orpha Naomi Elizabeth (Hise) Garner. He passed from this life on Sunday, November 20, 2022, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma at the age of 86 years. Charles was raised and educated in Fairfax, Oklahoma and graduated with the Fairfax High School Class of 1955. As a young boy in Fairfax, the neighborhood kids spent a lot of time playing at the Tallchief house. One day, Grandma Liza Tallchief told Charles he was no bigger than a Chigger. It stuck and from that point until his death he was known as Chigger by all except for his parents and close family members. After high school he went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in education and music from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Charles was married in Fairfax on August 22, 1957, to Charlotte Nadine (King) Garner. He was also a member of the Army National Guard for 10 years. Charles spent most of his working life as a music teacher and the Band Director at Oologah High School in Oologah, Oklahoma for 18 years. During his tenure at Oologah, his outstanding service to the band program, the school and his students was recognized by being twice selected Teacher of the Year. He also served as a member of the Northeastern Oklahoma Band Director’s Association. Charles enjoyed a variety of past times such as gardening, painting, photography, road-trips, bird watching, fishing, and spending time with his family. Those he leaves behind who hold many cherished memories include: His wife of 65 years; Charlotte Garner 4 Children; Gregory Garner and wife Barbara Tori Pilcher Shelley Strickland and husband Gray Brenda Pfeiffer and husband Brad 11 Grandchildren; John Garner, Jason Garner, Ryan Fillion, Zephaniah Pilcher, Elizabeth Pilcher, Elizabeth Strickland-Maute, Gray Garner Strickland, Grace Strickland, Graham Strickland, Alexandra Pfeiffer and husband Tom, and Brady Pfeiffer 2 Great Grandchildren; Kalil and Adrian Garner 2 Sisters; Eva Mae Pease Gloria Waymire He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Orpha, two brothers, Harold and Gerald, and two sisters, Murlene and Pauline. Visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 2, 2022, at the First Osage Baptist Church in Fairfax, Oklahoma. There will be a time from 9:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. for a visitation and viewing before the service. Graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. at Wann Cemetery in Wann, Oklahoma. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. For those wishing to make a donation in lieu of flowers a fund has been set up for the Oologah Band Booster Club. This is a special fund to honor Mr. Charles Garner.

Charles Archie Garner

October 20, 1936 - November 20, 2022