Mr. Charles Cherry, in his 72nd season, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2009 and transitioned to Eternity. Charles was the fifth of seven children born to Priestley and Clettie Cherry on July 15, 1936 in Muskogee.  Charles accepted Christ at an early age and was a life-long member of Hope Lutheran Church.

Charles was educated in the Muskogee Public School System, where he attended Douglass, Hope Lutheran and Manual Training High School.  He played football at Manual Training and was known for his speed and agility on the field. 

On January 28, 1954, Charles married the love of his life, Irene Horton Reed. Their union was blessed with four children;  3 sons and a daughter. Affectionately known as "Poppa Charlie" to family and friends, Charles was a very proud and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Charles always put his family first and considered his children, including both grands and greats, the "most beautiful" children on earth. He loved to fish, hunt and would always take his children, grandchildren and neighborhood children with him.

Charles was an employee of Fansteel Metals for over twenty years and his failing health led to his early retirement. He spent the last years of his life on earth at Brentwood Nursing Home and was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Marion and Harold; and sisters Bettye and Inez.

Mr. Cherry leaves in God's care his devoted wife of 55 years, Irene; his endearing and loving children, Michael and Mitchell of Muskogee; Marcus and wife Meko of San Antonio, TX; and one daughter, Juanda Perkins and husband, Stanley of Muskogee; a sister, Carolyn Cary of Long Beach, CA; a brother, Priestley Cherry of Oklahoma City, OK; eight wonderful grandchildren, LaRon, Aundrea, Krystal, Michael, Myron, Marcus, Marko and Morgan; eleven adorable great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The sacred farewell will be on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. in the First Lutheran Church.  Pastor Wayne Schuett will officiate and burial will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery.  You may visit Mr. Cherry, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., on Thursday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and on Friday morning, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM only.  Friends may convey condolences and sign the online register at www.biglowfunerals.com.

comfort, care & understanding