Charles Joseph Svoboda

Memorial service for Charles Joseph Svoboda will be 1 p.m., Sat., Oct. 18, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in the Adoration Chapel.

Charles passed away Wed., Oct. 8, 2014, at Wood Manor Nursing Home at the age of 89.

The son of Karl and Hannah (Newer) Svoboda was born April 12, 1925, in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. Charles served in World War II as a tail gunner in the Pacific. He later served in the Korean War. After his time in World War II, he was matriculated from Oklahoma City University with a B.A. in psychology. He later became an officer in the United States Army, eventually retiring at the rank of Lt. Colonel. After the Army, Charles obtained a Master's Degree from Fort Hays Kansas State University in Hays, Kansas. He taught junior high school during his brief time in Kansas. He later moved to Claremore, where he became Dean of Students at Rogers State University (then Claremore Junior College). After serving in that position for many years, Charles pursued a successful career selling real estate in Claremore.

Charles met and married Marjorie Svoboda at Fort Riley, Kansas on April 6, 1955. They lived all over the world while Charles was serving as an officer in the Army. Along the way they had a son, Randall, while living in Germany; and two daughters while living in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Charles had a passion for jogging later in life. He completed twenty Tulsa Runs, starting with his first one at the age of 55. He will be remembered for his boundless energy, youthful appearance, quick wit and optimistic spirit.

Charles is survived by his son, Randall and daughter-in-law, Alma of Bella Vista, AR; daughters, Lynn and Tanya both of Claremore; brother, Roy Newer of Rochester, MI; and sister, Agnes Falconer of Boulder, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Catherine.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 1304 N. Dorothy Ave., Claremore, OK 74017.