Charles Clayton Lile

Charles Clayton Lile, a devoted family man and proud United States Army veteran, passed away on April 5, 2025, at the age of 88 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Born on September 21, 1936, in Elmer, Missouri, Charles grew up in a loving home with his parents, Everett Ray Lile and Mattie Pearl (Newkirk) Lile. He spent his childhood moving frequently as his father worked for the pipeline in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Charles graduated from high school in Peabody, Kansas, and went on to study teaching at Phillips University in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

After graduating, Charles taught for a few years before beginning a long career at Southwestern Bell, where he worked until his retirement. He was a dedicated employee and took great pride in his work. Charles was also a proud veteran, serving in the United States Army and spending some time in Korea after the war.

Charles married the love of his life, Tana Kay Smith, on February 11, 1984, at the Del City Christian Church in Del City, Oklahoma. They met while working at Southwestern Bell in Oklahoma City. Tana was the center of Charles' world, and he cherished every moment they spent together. He adored her, and their time together was filled with laughter, love, and adventure. Whether they were antiquing, visiting flea markets, or simply enjoying each other's company, Charles reveled in the joy that Tana brought to his life.

Charles was a man of strong faith and was very involved with his local church. He had a passion to be a minister and was active in the Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Wagoner, Oklahoma. He and Tana also attended Hulbert Methodist Church, where they participated in various activities, including Walk to Emmaus and Texas Christian Ashram. They were also delegates to the United Methodist State Annual Conference.

In retirement, Charles and Tana enjoyed traveling, visiting Missouri, Colorado, New Mexico, Illinois, Kansas, and taking an Amtrak trip to Washington D.C. One of their shared passions was their love for the University of Oklahoma Sooners. Charles and Tana were avid fans, and they enjoyed watching games together on TV, cheering on their beloved team with enthusiasm and pride. They loved spending time on Lake Fort Gibson in Hulbert, Oklahoma, where they built a life filled with love, faith, family, and community.

Charles is home now with his parents, Everett Ray Lile and Mattie Pearl (Newkirk) Lile; his beloved wife, Tana Kay (Smith) Lile; and his sister, Lena Jean Mobley.

Charles is survived by his nephews, Richard Mobley and his wife Deloris of Ottawa, Kansas, and David Mobley and his wife Brenda of New Richmond, Wisconsin.

Charles will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of love, faith, service, and devotion will live on through the countless lives he touched.

A graveside for Charles will be held Friday, April 25, 2025, at 1:30 PM at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, 1423 Cemetery Road, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.