Charles E. Willoughby

Charles E. Willoughby, 85, of Oklahoma City went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 25, 2011. A memorial service will be held at Spring Creek Baptist Church on Friday, May 27, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Preston Clegg officiating.

Charles was born on March 26, 1926 to Claude and Nettie Willoughby in Indianapolis, Indiana. He graduated from South Port High School in 1944 and shortly thereafter, began a career with Rainbo Baking that spanned 40 years. Upon retirement, he and his wife, Betty spent many years traveling the US in a motor home visiting civil war historical sites, a hobby of Charles's, taking in our country's natural treasures, monuments and other points of interest and visiting numerous children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Charles would especially look forward to spending the hot summer months in what he called "'Cool' Colorful Colorado." Charles will be remembered for his kindness to others, hard work ethic, ability to lead by example, his witty sayings and especially his always "never had it so good" attitude. He will be missed dearly by those still here on earth as he has gone to join his brother Bill, who is survived by wife Millie Willoughby; sister Melba; and sister Phyllis, who is survived by husband Roland Barringer; parents and many other family members. He is survived by Betty, wife of 53 years; daughter Sharon Lawson of Brownsburg, Indiana along with her three daughters, Kay, Kristi and Amanda, two grandsons and three granddaughters; daughter Connie Keathly of Terra Haute, Indiana and her two sons Greg and Toby, daughter Lori, 5 grandsons and 4 granddaughters; daughter Kathy Jackson of Avon, Indiana and her husband Dave, two daughters, Heidi and April, 5 grandsons, 5 granddaughters and 1 great grandson; daughter Patricia Rose of Lookeba, Oklahoma and her husband Gene, two sons, John Michael and Philip, three daughters, Jennifer, Stephanie and Katie, 2 grandsons and 5 granddaughters; son Chuck Willoughby of Stillwater, Oklahoma and his wife Susan, son Nathan and two daughters, Rachael and Rebecca; and nephews and nieces in Oklahoma, Texas and Indiana. In lieu of flowers, Charles would want people to give from their hearts to their charity of choice. Condolences may be submitted by visiting www.billmerrittfuneralservice.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Bill Merritt Funeral Service, Bethany, OK.