Charles Lee Striplin

Charles Lee Striplin, 77, of Claremore, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the VA Health Care System in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at MMS-Payne Funeral Home, 102 W. 5th Street, Claremore, Oklahoma. Burial with military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, 1423 Cemetery Road, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.

Charles was born on May 9, 1949, in Wagoner, Oklahoma, to Theodore "Cap" Striplin and Marie Striplin. He spent his early years attending Inola Public Schools before moving to Skiatook during his Junior year, where he graduated with the Class of 1967.

During high school, Charles excelled on the basketball court as a guard or small forward, and was a key member as the seventh man as a junior at Inola and starter as a senior on Skiatook’s 1966-67 State Tournament Team. In recognition of his athletic accomplishments, he was inducted into the Inola Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024.

On May 15, 1969, Charles left for Basic Training at Fort Polk, in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. He completed his AIT at Fort Benning, Georgia.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army with the 58th Infantry Regiment and the renowned 101st Airborne Division, the "Screaming Eagles." He completed one tour in Vietnam and, despite having been drafted, took immense pride in his service as a Vietnam Veteran.

For his courage and dedication, Charles received numerous military honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, two Overseas Service Bars, Sharpshooter Badge (M-14), and Marksman Badge (M-16).

Following his military service, Charles worked as a truck driver and was skilled in many areas of construction, including roofing, vinyl siding, remodeling, and home improvement.

Although he carried the burdens of war throughout much of his life, eventually being recognized as a 100% Disabled American Veteran, he remained fiercely devoted to his family and deeply proud of his service to his country.

Charles was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His commitment to family never wavered.

When his sons were young, Charles was active in their lives and in the community. He coached Little League Baseball and spent countless hours fishing with his boys at Claremore Lake and along the Verdigris River. Most recently he enjoyed talking about Mercedes-Benz's with his son Kaleb, watching Thunder Basketball, Football, especially College Football (OU) with his son Lee, and harassing his daughter-in-law Regina about her love for Tom Brady.

Throughout his life Charles had a deep love and passion for gardening. His gardens were big, but his heart was bigger as he donated most of his crops to family, friends, and even strangers. He loved giving to others. He planted his final garden just weeks before his passing and it continues to flourish. 

His greatest joy, however, was being "Papaw." Charles cherished the summers he spent with his grandchildren Leah and Paul when they traveled from Alaska to Oklahoma. He loved taking his grandchildren fishing, going to movies, sharing meals, and celebrating holidays together. He especially treasured the close bond he shared with his grandson Spencer.

Charles is survived by his sons, Kaleb Striplin and wife Regina of Nowata, Ok., and Robert "Lee" Striplin of Claremore, Ok.; grandchildren Spencer Striplin, Hunter Hines, Dakota Hines, Leah Lockett, Paul Striplin, and Leona Striplin; great-grandsons Windsor Striplin and Hanson Striplin; sister Linda Boydston and husband Dan of Morris, Ok.; brother Theodore "Ted" Striplin of Claremore, Ok.; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore "Cap" Striplin and Marie Striplin, and his sister, Marilyn Lewis.

Charles will be remembered for his devotion to family, his love of country, his strength through adversity, and the unwavering pride he carried for his children, grandchildren, siblings, and fellow veterans.

Though he has answered his final roll call, his legacy will continue through the family he loved and the lives he touched.

"All gave some. Some gave all."