Charles B. Houser

Charles Baer Houser was born to C.B. and Beth (Haley) Houser in Milburn, Okla., on February 9, 1937, and died December 5, 2025, in Tishomingo, Okla. Charles was an intelligent, strong and hardworking man whose varied career took him from the classroom to cattle farming. He was a man who stood by his convictions and didn’t shy away from expressing his opinions or wanting to win every argument. But beneath that sometimes tough exterior was a proud husband, father and “Poppin” to his family, and a man grateful for lifelong friendships — from school mates to his friends at the coffee shop. Charles was proud of his history and heritage. He grew up in Milburn and graduated from Milburn High School. In his later years, he could often be found attending Milburn Old Settlers Day to catch up with friends. After graduating from high school, Charles earned his associate’s degree from Murray State College and received his bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in school administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant. His first job in education was as a teacher and coach in Russett, Okla. Charles later moved to Leon, Okla., where he served as superintendent, a teacher and coach. He ended his career in education as a teacher and coach in Turner, Okla. His experience with guiding and instructing others helped lead him to his next career as a vocational rehab counselor and supervisor for the state of Oklahoma. He worked for the state for many years until his retirement. After retirement, he enjoyed working with cattle, farming, pecan harvesting and baling hay. Charles always wanted to start as early as possible on whatever task he and sons, Boyd and Rickey, had for the day. He’d loudly proclaim to them, “C’MON BOYS, WE'RE BURNING DAYLIGHT!” Some of his hobbies included watching Westerns on TV and taking daily trips to see his friends at the coffee shop, where conversations could vary from the condition of crops to the news of the day. The coffee shop visits were meaningful to Charles and a routine that he rarely missed. Charles also was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Tishomingo and was often the first to arrive to church and had coffee made for those coming in later. Charles’ life also was filled with love. After graduating from high school in Milburn, Charles married Alma Scribner on July 17, 1954. They were married for 17 years. Together, they had three children; Boyd, Rickey and Tracy. Charles later married Guinda Burkhalter on August 3, 1984, and his family expanded with her children, Cindy and Greg. Charles and Guin were married for 31 years until her death on December 15, 2015. Life can sometimes come full circle, which it did for Charles when he and Alma reconnected and remarried on November 6, 2018. They were together until her death on February 27, 2020. Charles leaves behind family and friends who will remember his character, his candor, his commitment to others and the care he showed to those he loved. Charles was preceded in death by his parents C.B. and Beth Houser, his wives, Alma and Guinda; and daughters-in-law, Rebecca (Cook) Houser and Tena (Spicer) Houser. Charles is survived by children; Boyd Houser (Sheila Reed), Rickey Houser (Carolyn), Tracy Reynolds, Cindy Parks (Gerald) and Greg Burkhalter (Holly). Brothers-in-law, Jimmy Scribner and Jerry Adams; and sister-in-law, Nila Adams. Grandchildren: Sharla Bardin, Jeremy Bardin (Colleen), Chrissea Jackson (Kemp Woods), Chanet Huckaby (Keith), Cody Reynolds (Kellie), Tyler Reynolds (Jacy), Karla Speer (Chad), Kelli Teafatiller (Rickey), Brooke Sinor (Chance), Alexandra Burkhalter and Hunter Burkhalter. Great-grandchildren; Charlee Linder (Brayden), Bentlee Thomas, Case Woodall, Carter and Kennedy Huckaby, Jorey, Siena, Adelaide and Ainsley Bardin, Kambree, Ian, Collins, Elaina, Maverick, Haven, Raelee and Everly Reynolds, Rilyn and Reid Teafatiller, Kyson and Kyler Speer, Jett, Lawson and Saylor Sinor, Turner Styles, Cohen Drymon and Holt and Hollyn Burkhalter. Family night is Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at DeArman-Clark Funeral Home in Tishomingo. The memorial service is Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of the DeArman-Clark Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be: Jeremy Bardin, Cody and Tyler Reynolds, Case Woodall, Carter Huckaby, Ian and Maverick Reynolds and Jorey Bardin. Honorary pallbearers are: Jimmy Scribner, Jerry Adams, Keith Huckaby, Robert Reynolds, Kemp Woods, Brayden Linder and the Milburn and Tishomingo coffee shop crews.

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Charles B. Houser

February 9, 1937 - December 5, 2025