Obituary for Charles Ray Van Boskirk
Charles Ray VanBoskirk, age 91, of Fayetteville, AR went to be with the Lord on August 2, 2019. A memorial service will be at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home Chapel on August 9 at 11:00 A.M. Rev Tim Taylor will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.
Charles was born in Drummond, OK on July 5, 1928 to Ray and Thelma Van Boskirk. As a young boy the family moved to Enid where Charles grew up on a dairy farm. After high school graduation he joined the army and served during the Korean War. Upon discharge Charles returned to Enid and earned his bachelor’s degree at Phillips University where later he would also receive his master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling. During his time as an undergraduate at Phillips University he met Josephine Warner and they were married on October 15, 1949. During the next 67 years of marriage they would have three daughters, a bevy of grandchildren and great grandchildren, move 10 times across three states, and have lots of fun. They ended their travels where they began in Enid, Oklahoma.
Charles’ professional career was spent in the field of vocational rehabilitation. In 1985 he retired from his career in New York State as Bureau Chief of Interagency Programs for the State Department of Education. Charles wasn’t finished working, though, and he retired once more from the State of Arizona five years later as District Manager of Vocational Programs in Tucson. Charles’ avocation was as an active member of the lovely Christian churches the family found anywhere they lived. With a particular love for missions, Charles’ final joy in service was to provide essential support to the missionary outreach program, Touch India, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Enid, OK. He was an active member of the Gideons as well and found great joy and companionship in that ministry. Although family, church and work were his priorities, Charles believed in a balanced life for himself and his family so play was an important component of that life. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf, travel, playing bridge and pool! He had the great pleasure of sharing these activities with many friends and family down to the 4th generation.
Survivors include his three daughters - Sherry and her husband, Daniel Zotta of Utica, NY, Debra and her husband, Steven Whitfill of Locust Grove, OK, and Nancy VanBoskirk of Fayetteville, AR; eight adoring grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. A beloved great-grandchild and his loving wife preceded him in death. Numerous dear friends, gathered from communities across the country, completed his circle of love.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon International with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home as custodian of the funds. Condolences may be made online and the service may be viewed online at www.ladusauevans.com
Charles was born in Drummond, OK on July 5, 1928 to Ray and Thelma Van Boskirk. As a young boy the family moved to Enid where Charles grew up on a dairy farm. After high school graduation he joined the army and served during the Korean War. Upon discharge Charles returned to Enid and earned his bachelor’s degree at Phillips University where later he would also receive his master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling. During his time as an undergraduate at Phillips University he met Josephine Warner and they were married on October 15, 1949. During the next 67 years of marriage they would have three daughters, a bevy of grandchildren and great grandchildren, move 10 times across three states, and have lots of fun. They ended their travels where they began in Enid, Oklahoma.
Charles’ professional career was spent in the field of vocational rehabilitation. In 1985 he retired from his career in New York State as Bureau Chief of Interagency Programs for the State Department of Education. Charles wasn’t finished working, though, and he retired once more from the State of Arizona five years later as District Manager of Vocational Programs in Tucson. Charles’ avocation was as an active member of the lovely Christian churches the family found anywhere they lived. With a particular love for missions, Charles’ final joy in service was to provide essential support to the missionary outreach program, Touch India, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Enid, OK. He was an active member of the Gideons as well and found great joy and companionship in that ministry. Although family, church and work were his priorities, Charles believed in a balanced life for himself and his family so play was an important component of that life. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf, travel, playing bridge and pool! He had the great pleasure of sharing these activities with many friends and family down to the 4th generation.
Survivors include his three daughters - Sherry and her husband, Daniel Zotta of Utica, NY, Debra and her husband, Steven Whitfill of Locust Grove, OK, and Nancy VanBoskirk of Fayetteville, AR; eight adoring grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. A beloved great-grandchild and his loving wife preceded him in death. Numerous dear friends, gathered from communities across the country, completed his circle of love.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon International with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home as custodian of the funds. Condolences may be made online and the service may be viewed online at www.ladusauevans.com