Charles Ray McCown

Charles Ray McCown age 71 of Lexington, passed from this life into the presence of his Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016. At his time of passing, Charles was surrounded by his loving family and several dear friends. He was born on October 29, 1944 in S.E. Oklahoma near Boehler. His parents were Wade Hampton McCown and Bertha Marie (Harkins) McCown. Charles and his family moved to Lexington in 1947 where Charles attended Lexington schools, graduated with the class of 1962. Two years later he married his high school sweetheart Cheryl Peery on June 25, 1964. In 1966 Charles enlisted into the U. S. Navy and proudly served his country for four years during the Vietnam War. His duty stations included Midway Island, Naval Air Station, Lemoore, CA; NAS, Jacksonville, FL; and the NAS, Whidbey Island, WA. He served two tours of duty as an Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class, on the Aircraft Carrier, USS Ranger off the coast of Vietnam and in the Sea of Japan during the Pueblo Conflict. On July 3, 1968 while stationed in Jacksonville, Charlie and Cheryl were blessed with their son Charles Scott. After being honorably discharged in 1970 they returned to Oklahoma and lived in Norman for four years. During this time Charles attended Rose State College. On August 19, 1973 the family welcomed to the family their 2nd child, a precious daughter, Cristin Heather McCown. It was in 1974 they returned to their beloved hometown of Lexington. Charles began his career in the Wholesale Food industry in 1973. He worked for several companies including; Tyler & Simpson Co., Scrivner Inc., and Fleming Foods. Over the next 30 years he became Director of Sales and Marketing. In 2005 he accepted the position as Division Manager of the Michigan Division of Nash Finch Co. in Bridgeport Michigan. This move began a new adventure for them living in Frankenmuth, Michigan for the next five years. Charles later worked at the Omaha Division for Nash Finch Co. until his retirement in Oct. 2011. After retiring he again returned home to Lexington and four months later accepted the position of Lexington City Manager. Charles loved working for the City of Lexington but his struggle with ALS forced him to retire in Oct. of 2015. Charles was an active member of the Lexington First Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, a Sunday School Teacher, sang in the Celebration Choir and the New Life Ensemble. He also served on the Lexington School Board for 10 years, was a Lexington City Councilman and had served as Lexington City Mayor. He was president of the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce in 2015 and awarded an honorary lifetime membership to the chamber. And this past year he was the Lexington Citizen of the Year for 2016. For enjoyment, Charles loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, golfing, working in his yard and traveling. He was a man who loved people, he encouraged people and he had a strong work ethic. He was preceded in death by: Parents, Wade and Bertha McCown, Two brothers, Ace and George McCown, His Father and Mother-in-law, Stan and Estelle Peery, A sister-in-law, Arlene McCown; He is survived by: Wife of 52 years, Cheryl of the home, Son, Charles Scott McCown and wife Kelly of Piedmont, Daughter, Cristin McCown Chevez of Lexington, Sister, Sue Green of Crescent, OR, Eight grandchildren, Scott's four, Evan, Alex, Caroline and Aidan Cristin's four, Zachary, Indi, Gabe and Trey; Sister-in-law, Jean McCown of OKC, Nephews, Terry and Carla McCown of Lewisville, TX, Barry McCown of OKC, Shawn and Amy McCown of Round Rock, TX, Eric Watkins of Crescent, OR. Jay and Cathy McCown of OKC; Also a host of loving friends. Funeral services will be 10:00AM Monday, Oct. 31, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in Lexington. Memorials may be made to: Lexington FBC Building Fund, the Lexington City Park Fund or to Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. ALS Division. Arrangements are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.

Charles Ray McCown

October 29, 1944 - October 26, 2016