Charles Wisler

Charles Clifton Wisler, Jr. (CC), beloved father, trusted friend, and devoted Christian, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2022, at the age of 96. His life was marked by love, service, and an enduring commitment to family, faith, and community.

Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Charles had an infectious love for baseball and a natural ability to form lasting friendships. At just 16, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943. By December 1944, he was preparing for "Operation Downfall" when World War II came to an unexpected end. After his honorable discharge, he began studies at Oklahoma City University, where he met the love of his life, Frances Joann Higgins. Their whirlwind courtship led to marriage on September 21, 1946.

Charles' career took him across industries and continents. After a brief period as a cotton buyer in Texas, he joined Jack Stoneham in 1952, quickly proving his exceptional skill with the Friden calculator. Over the next decade, his talent and leadership propelled him to the presidency of Toyo Cotton Co., making history as the first American to lead an Asian trading company. His expertise in the industry was widely recognized; as President of the Texas Cotton Association, he testified before Congress in 1974 on Texas cotton warehousing and traffic. Later, he served as President of Chickasha Cotton Oil Co. in Fort Worth, and his proudest professional achievement was receiving the Supima Man of the Year award for expanding American Pima cotton markets in Asia.

His role at Toyo granted Charles and Joann opportunities to travel the world, including frequent visits to Japan and pioneering business trips to China in the early 1970s.

In retirement, Charles embraced life at Pecan Plantation in Granbury, where golf became a cherished pastime well into his seventies. He treasured moments with his grandchildren, Lilli and Alan, sharing golf cart rides and lively bingo nights at the clubhouse. His wisdom and kindness enriched his community, and in 2005, he and Joann returned to Dallas, rekindling friendships in Ridgewood Park and forming new bonds at Presbyterian Village.

Charles was immensely proud of his children's achievements-Karen, a Ph.D. and psychologist; Gary, an award-winning Western writer; and David, a successful technology professional. His unwavering love and support were constants in their lives.

A man of deep faith, humility, and compassion, Charles built friendships that spanned generations and walks of life. His warmth, wisdom, and generosity left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughter Karen, son David (and wife Melanie), two grandchildren, Lilli Langston (Nick) and Alan (Annalise), and a great-grandson, Jordan Langston. He was preceded in death by his parents, his three siblings-Earl (Cliff), Racille Boyle, and Bob-his wife Joann, and his son Gary.

Charles will be remembered not only for his accomplishments but for the kindness, strength, and love that defined his remarkable life.