Ayotunde Stephen Ojuko

Ayotunde Stephen Ojuko was born June 19, 1993, in Akure, Ondo, Nigeria. His given family name, Ayotunde Oluwafemi OjukoTimi, carries a powerful meaning — a declaration that joy had returned and that God’s love was present. In the United States, he often introduced himself by his longtime nickname, “Chuck,” wanting to make things easier for anyone who struggled with his name. That small act of kindness was so very him — thoughtful, gentle, always considering others before himself.

He was deeply proud to be Yoruba. His primary language was Yoruba, but he moved effortlessly between English and Pidgin, carrying pieces of home with him wherever he went.

His faith in Jesus shaped everything about him. It wasn’t something he performed — it was simply who he was. He carried praise on his lips, gratitude in his heart, and a quiet steadiness that came from knowing God deeply.

He had a gift for peace. When he walked into a room, the atmosphere shifted — calmer, softer, safer. He listened with his whole heart, never rushing anyone, never making them feel small. People trusted him because they could feel his sincerity.

He studied Electronic Electrical Engineering in college, and that love for electronics followed him into everyday life. He was brilliant — not just in intelligence, but in the way he thought, the way he solved problems, the way he approached life with curiosity and determination. He worked hard at everything he touched, and he did it with humility.

And he was generous in a way that was rare. Even when he had little, he still found something to give — his time, his help, his encouragement, his presence. He gave because it was in his nature, because he believed love should be lived out loud.

He married his wife, Susan, in 2022 in a beautiful ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria. In early summer of 2025, he immigrated to the United States to be by her side. He embraced American culture with openness and determination, taking a job with the Dodge City School District as a custodian while he learned the rhythms of a new country. He had recently left that position to begin the process of joining the U.S. Army — a dream he held with pride and purpose.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Ojuko of Dodge City, KS; his parents, Sunday Babatunde and Olukemi Ojukotimi of Akure, Ondo, Nigeria; and his four siblings — Ibiyemi, Motunrayo, Temitayo, and Ayokunle Ojuko of Lagos and Akure, Nigeria. He is also remembered with love by in laws who embraced him as family: Shane Smith and Cindi of Wright, KS, and Shawna Topor and Marty of Eagle, Colorado. In addition, he leaves behind two bonus daughters who adored him — Jillian (JJ) Gillion of Dodge City and Kirsten Click and Zach of Wichita, KS.

A Celebration of Ayotunde's life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City. There will be no visitation as creamtion has taken place. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guestbook at www.swaimfuneralhome.com