Obituary published on Legacy.com by Bowser Family Funeral Home - Broken Bow on Oct. 22, 2025.
Surrounded by loved ones at his home, Charles Ray Holt, Sr. age 77, of Wright City, Oklahoma was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 19, 2025. He was born on Monday, August 16, 1948, to Preston Holt and Stella Mae Thompson Holt in Talihina, Oklahoma.
Charles was a faithful Christian, and a devoted husband to his wife Rita, of 48 years. He loved his family deeply, being a loving father to his children and a doting grandfather and great-grandfather. Charles was a hardworking man who proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His dedication, courage, and love for his country were qualities that stayed with him throughout his life. In 2024, he was honored as Veteran of the Year, a recognition that reflected his lifelong commitment to service, integrity, and community.
Charles attended White Sands United Methodist Church where he was grounded in his faith, trusting in God's plan and finding strength in His love. A regular attendee, Charles lived out his beliefs in the power of prayer and the love of Christ. Though he cherished his church community, his faith went beyond denomination - he was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, believing in the Holy Trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Often times, family would find Charles sitting in his room, immersed in the Word of God, and his actions reflected the love and guidance he found in scripture. Always telling his children and grandchildren to trust in the Lord, he instilled in them that they're never alone and that God's love is always with them.
Charles will be remembered for his love for his family, cherishing every moment he spent with them, his enthusiasm for OU Sooners football and the Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball, happily getting to watch them capture their first ever NBA Championship. But his greatest joy was spending time with his grandkids playing around outside with them, watching movies, and making their famous Ramen noodles and popcorn. Proud is an understatement of how he felt for each of his grandkids and it could be seen as he attended as many of their sporting events and school functions as he could. While he couldn't be at each of their games at the same time, and having to choose which grandchild to watch, he always wished the others good luck and told them to play hard. He truly loved them with all his heart, and they brought him immense joy. He was also a dedicated supporter of the Wright City Lumberjax basketball team. It didn't matter if he didn't have grandkids playing, Charles was there. Charles was such an avid fan that he often showed up to the games, even before the teams did ensuring he secured his seat in anticipation to cheer them on to victory. His loyalty earned him the title of Fan of the Year in 2015, a testament to his dedication. In addition to his love of basketball, Charles also enjoyed playing chair volleyball with the district 7 seniors, where he found camaraderie and fun with his wife and friends. In his spare time, he also enjoyed running and took part in hundreds of 5K races over the years, always pushing himself to stay active and strong. His running also had an impact on his family who also started the journey of running 5ks and will continue his legacy, running from now on in his honor.
Charles was a selfless and generous soul, always putting others before himself. His willingness to help others in need was inspiring, and he touched countless lives with his kindness and compassion. Charles was a people person, always eager to meet new folks and share a kind word.
Charles also had a great appreciation for music, especially the "oldies but goldies" such as the Temptations, Elvis Presley, and Smokey Robinson just to name a few that brought back fond memories. But his most favorite were the gospel singings of The Cathedrals. He also loved watching classic shows such as Gunsmoke and Sanford & Son, also The Price is Right, which you could never tear him away from until he found out whether or not the contestants won, leaving him late for everything else.
He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and cherished memories with his family and friends. His hardworking spirit and the pride he carried as both a veteran and a man of great heart will be forever carried through the lives of his loved ones.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, James Holt and Leroy Holt.
Charles is survived by his loving wife, Rita Holt of Wright City, Oklahoma; his sons and daughters in law, Ricky and Myrna Taylor of Jay, Oklahoma, Charles Holt Jr. "Chuck" of Wright City, Oklahoma; Derek and Pearl Holt of Bokchito, Oklahoma and Kevin and Mandy Holt of Wright City, Oklahoma; two daughters and son in law, Valerie Holt of Wright City, Oklahoma and Dayna and Max Ramirez of Wright City, Oklahoma; one brother, Preston Holt Jr. of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; one sister, Agnes Holt of California; twelve grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at the Chihowa I Chuka Assembly of God in Wright City with Brother Leon Taylor and Brother Ellis Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in the Joe Slater Cemetery in Wright City. A wake service will be Friday, October 24, 2025 from 6-8 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in
Broken Bow, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Taylor, Charles Holt Jr., Derek Holt, Kevin Holt, Trence Holt, Stormy Taylor, Ryan Taylor, Skylar Silva, and Max Ramirez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jacob Ramirez, Julian Ramirez, Grant Taylor, and Granger Taylor.
Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com
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