Charles-Gender-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Sanders Funeral Service - Kingfisher

Charles Lee Gender

Kingfisher, Oklahoma

Jun 23, 1941 – Feb 20, 2026

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BORN
June 23, 1941
DIED
February 20, 2026
LOCATION
Kingfisher, Oklahoma

Obituary

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Sanders Funeral Service - Kingfisher Obituary

Charles Lee Gender, age 84, of Kingfisher, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in his home on February 20, 2026, while sitting in his favorite recliner.


Charles was born on June 23, 1941, to Charlie and Sofie Gender. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was stationed in France during his time in the service. Following his military service, he built a long and dedicated career with Pioneer Telephone Company, where he worked faithfully until his retirement.


An avid fisherman, Charles found great joy on the water and was a passionate collector of antique fishing lures and fishing gear. Fishing was more than a pastime for him. It was a lifelong passion that brought him peace and many treasured memories.


He was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Charlene and Raymond Reiswig of Kingfisher.


He is survived by his nephew and niece, Dennis and Denise Reiswig of Huntsville, Texas; his great nieces and nephews, Heather and Paul Tessman of Montgomery, Texas, and Alicia and Austin Westfall of Kyle, Texas; and five beloved great great nieces and nephews, Bella Tessman, Kenna Tessman, Charlie Tessman, Asher Westfall, and Ander Westfall; and cousins, Shirley and Shannon Worley.


Charles will be remembered for his quiet strength, steady character, and deep love of fishing and family.


Funeral Service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Sanders Funeral Service Chapel with burial to follow at Banner Cemetery under the direction of Sander Funeral Service. 


https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/DR4Y2M


 

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Charles, was a good man. I knew him all my life. He was my moms first cousin. His mom Sophia was my grandfather’s sister.
After Charles sister,Charlene and brother n law, Raymond passed away, I got to know Charles much better.

Charlene had left me some information on the Preble ancestry and then one day Charles called me up and asked if I would like more genealogy information.
We talked at length and he gave me a book he had put together.

Somewhere, in the...

I worked with Charlie many years. When he retired, he started calling me on my birthday and holidays. Then after a few years, he would call me more often, almost every week up until the day before he died. He always made me laugh and said I was one of his favorite people to tease. Such a nice man with a big heart. Sure thought a lot of him. He would always hold the door for you at work with one hand and hold his other hand out for money always teasing of course. lol. I know he sure loved his...

I served with Charles in France . He was good friend . Had many long talks with him over the years.

Charlie worked with my dad at Pioneer for years. He was always so nice and he was always telling my dad to give me more when I came in to get money from my dad. RIP Charlie!! ♥

I met Charlie when we worked at pioneer. He was a big reason I got into lure collecting. He was straight up the most knowledgeable person there was when it came to antique fishing tackle. Rip Charlie.

Charlie worked at Pioneer the same time I did. He was well liked, a really nice person with a big heart.

I worked for many years with Charlie at Pioneer. He was a valuable and trusted employee. He was very precise in his work, but more importantly, he was a great friend and mentor. We shared a lot of laughs, he will be sorely missed. Condolences and Prayers.

We miss you so much already. Thanks for loving this little boy so much and bringing so much joy to our lives We love you forever!