Charles Ray Fifer

Charles Ray Fifer (Charlie) was born December23, 1935 in Collinsville, OK to Oran and Josephine Fifer. He departed this life on the 7th of January, at the age of 90. Charlie grew up with three brothers, one sister, and lots of friends. With no TV or electronics in the early years, they made their own fun playing football, basketball and riding bikes in the neighborhood. Charlie started first grade in Collinsville and graduated with the class of 1954. He played the trombone in the band, played basketball and football, and made many life-long friends. He received a full scholarship to play football at Connors State College, and completed those two years playing fullback. In April 1958 Charlie was drafted into the US Army and sent to Fort Carson, Colorado for basic training. He was sent to Germany for 18 months as a clerk typist. He was called up again as a reservist during the Cuban Missile Crisis and sent to Fort Polk, Louisiana. After 10 months of service, he was happy to receive his honorable discharge papers. In 1958, before being drafted, he met a young lady named Evelyn Kilpatrick, also known as Tunnie. They corresponded during each of his deployments and when he returned from his second deployment, Tunnie said, “Let’s get married”, and Charlie said, “Okay.” So on May 11, 1963 they were married at the First Assembly Church in Collinsville. They were happily married and devoted to each other for over 62 years. They made their home in Collinsville all those years, commuting daily to Tulsa for work. He retired from St John Hospital after 25 years of service. The lake became a long time enjoyment, sharing a cabin home on the shores of Grand Lake with dear friends, the Swift’s. Another love was OU football, and had season tickets to games for many years, tailgating with 3 other special couples. They rarely missed a home game. They also traveled to the out of state games, including when OU played in the Rose Bowl - the Rose Bowl parade was a highlight! They were founding members of the Nifty Fifty Group and active until it disbanded. In recent years, he enjoyed playing cards with the “card group” every week with special friends the Robinson’s and Hall’s. He is survived by his loving wife Evelyn (Tunnie); his sister Vivian Fifer Toothman; several sister-in-law’s, a brother-in-law, and a beloved host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oran and Josephine (Lummy); and brothers William, Earl, and Wayne. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2026, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Meadowcreek United Methodist Church in Collinsville with Reverend Nathan Mattox officiating. Serving as casket bearers will be Sam Fifer, Nick Boutwell, Heath Boutwell, Steve McKinzie, Jay Enloe, and David Stevens. Committal service and interment will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Collinsville. The family requests memorial contributions be made in Charles’ memory to Enhabit Hospice, 1913 West Tacoma Street, Suite E-F, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, 74012, or at www.enhabit.com. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com

Charles Ray Fifer

December 23, 1935 - January 7, 2026