Charles Dexter Akers

Tahlequah, OK - Charles Dexter Akers passed away quietly in the early hours of Palm Sunday, April 10, 2022. After being bedfast for many years, he is now experiencing joy and freedom with the Lord he loved so much. His family will miss him dearly but are comforted with the knowledge that he is Home.

Charles Dexter was born to Fred and Frances Akers on October 24, 1932 in the town of New Carlisle, Ohio. Fred and Frances moved Charles and his two brothers, Fred, Jr. and Duane and his sister, Louann, to Vinita, Oklahoma area around 1947. It was there that he graduated from Vinita High School with the class of 1950. During his high school years, he contracted polio which left one leg weakened. Following high school, he spent a couple of years state-side in the army. He was told he could have any job in the Army, but most of his stories centered around “potatoes.” It seems he peeled a lot of potatoes.

Working as a machinist was a major part of Charles’ life. He machined for companies like Coleman during his Ohio years, Boeing in Wichita for several years and then moving to Tulsa where he worked for Telex where he also filled the role of union president and finally Rockwell, Int. from which he retired.

Charles was rich in faith, positive in his outlook and grateful for his life and family. He had a capacity to love that was large and without judgment. Being willing to listen with patience is one of the qualities often spoken about by his children. He also loved reading the Bible, listening to Gospel music, and taking family trips to lakes and parks.

Charles was also a tinkerer. There was always a car to fix, machines to repair, and work to be done around the house. He collected antique cameras and anything else that he thought he could “fix later.”

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Frances, his wives, Bonnie and Sarah, and two brothers, Fred Jr. and Duane.

He is survived by his children, Richard (Michelle) Akers of Dallas, TX, Randy (Rosetta) Akers of Republic, MO, Renda Crawford of Muskogee, OK , Robyn (Greg) Akers-Harris of Palm Coast, Fl, Tammy Akers of Tahlequah, OK, Mike Akers of Lac du Flambeau, WI, Larry (Serena) Akers of Tulsa, OK, and Nicole (Jashar) Krasniqi of Claremore, OK, his sister, Louann Palmer of Miami, OK, as well as twenty two grand and many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

A celebration of life will take place with family and friends at a later date.