Reaford Dennis Charlson

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Reaford Dennis Charlson, known affectionately to friends and family as Dennis, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2025, in Duncan, Oklahoma, surrounded by his closest family. Born on December 4, 1952, in Marlow, Oklahoma, Dennis was a wonderful man who left an undeniable mark on the hearts of those who knew him.
Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, January 24, 2025, at the Freedom Biker Church in Duncan, with Rev. Billy Morgan officiating. Before the service, family and friends are invited together at noon for lunch at the church. All cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral and Cremation Services.
Dennis grew up in Cox City and was a proud graduate of The Rush Springs High School class of 1972, where he played basketball and football. Dennis met the love of his life and mother of his 3 children while cutting broom corn when they were still in high school. Dennis married Brinda in June of 1972. They were married 28 yrs and always stayed friends. Dennis spent his career working in the oilfield, where he spent most of his time as a driller, he made many friends, and he loved occasions when he could work with his family members. At one time he worked as the driller on the 2nd largest rig in the continental United States. He later worked in maintenance for Duncan public schools. Dennis loved riding motorcycles and also working on vehicles, growing vegetables in his garden, and always picking up new hobbies, for a time he was even a rodeo clown. He was very proud of his kids, grandkids and great granddaughter and loved talking about all their accomplishments. Upon retirement, Dennis lived alone at Taylor Lake in Rush Springs. He found joy in the simple life and indulged in his many interests that ranged from riding motorcycles to the whimsical pursuit of hunting Bigfoot.
A true outdoorsman, he cherished his garden of beloved purple iris and elephant ear plants. He loved camping when his kids were growing up and later on going on various motorcycle trips. Summers were spent camping, fishing and boating, activities that Dennis enjoyed sharing with family. His good nature, and sense of humor made him a great family man, always ready with a laugh or a helping hand.
Dennis is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Tina Collins and her husband Steve of Duncan, Ok, and Melissa Gilley and her soon to be husband Steven of Medicine Park; his grandchildren, McKenna Longest, Baylee Charlson Ballard, Kiersten Martindale, Kamden King, and Payton King; and great-grandchildren, Brynlea Jo Carter and another great-granddaughter soon to join the family. His sisters, Joy English and her husband Dewayne, Mary Kinsey and her husband James, and his nephew Bennie Musgrove, who he cherished like a son, along with several nieces and nephews he loved dearly, will also hold his memory dear.
Dennis rejoins his beloved parents, Owen Reford and Charlean Joy (Morris) Charlson, and his son, Kevin Charlson, who is now reunited in heaven with his mom and dad.
Dennis truly has a legacy of kindness, laughter, and the joy of a life well-lived. He will continue to inspire all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family and many friends.
Online Condolences may be made at www.callawaysmithcobb.com