Charles William Beets I

Charles William Beets I, a devoted family man, respected businessman, proud veteran, and loyal friend, passed away on May 19, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 80.

Charles was born on August 2, 1945, in Byars, Oklahoma, to Ralph Alvin Beets and Iness (Moody) Beets. Raised with strong values of honesty, hard work, and integrity, Charles carried those principles throughout every chapter of his life and became a man whose word was trusted by all who knew him. Those closest to him often said that a handshake from Charles meant more than any written contract.

Charles proudly served his country in the United States Army for eight years. Following his military service, he spent much of his life doing what he loved—working hard and building a future for his family. Over the years, he worked on dairy farms, broke horses, and eventually found his calling in the powerline industry. Through determination and dedication, he built a successful career and later owned and operated C&C Powerline Construction Company alongside his son, Charles II, a partnership that brought him tremendous pride before his retirement.

While Charles was known for his strong work ethic, it was his generous heart that left the greatest impression on those around him. His door was always open, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand. Whether someone needed concrete poured, a roof repaired, a vehicle fixed, cattle rounded up, a house moved, or simply a friend to lean on, Charles was there. He would quite literally give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. He treated everyone he met with kindness, respect, and fairness, always choosing to see the good in people and the positive side of life's challenges.

Family was the center of Charles' world. He cherished every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends. Some of his happiest memories were made around a card table, sharing stories and laughter with those he loved most. He especially looked forward to the annual family Christmas celebrations, where generations gathered to decorate the tree, exchange memories, and create new traditions together. His Fourth of July celebrations became legendary among family, friends, and neighbors, featuring impressive fireworks displays that brought entire communities together.

Charles embraced life with enthusiasm and adventure. He enjoyed building dune buggies, participating in CB radio clubs, constructing CB antenna towers, woodworking, fishing, and hunting. Many treasured memories were made during weekends spent driving dune buggies across the sand dunes or camping along riverbeds with family and friends. He also enjoyed watching drag racing and the Indianapolis 500, and he rarely passed up an opportunity to listen to his favorite music from the 1950s, 1960s, and beyond.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Mary Beets of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his son, Charles William Beets II of Skiatook, Oklahoma; his daughters, Evelyn Pardue and husband Scott of Ada, Oklahoma, and Toni Davis of Ada, Oklahoma; his first wife, Belle Beets of Ada, Oklahoma; his sister, Reba Jane Eddlemon of Talihina, Oklahoma; nieces Sherry Lowe and husband Kevin of Ada, Oklahoma, Catherine Taylor and husband Aaron of Ada, Oklahoma, and Karla Austin Beatty and family of Stratford, Oklahoma; nephew Dennis Austin and family of Talihina, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren, Charles William Beets III, Jessica Leann Beets, Christopher Jay "CJ" Beets, Zachary Ryan Beets, Ray Beets, Tamara Corsaurt-Melendez, Arren Scott Pardue, Jennifer Davis-Odom, and Lacy Davis; twenty-four great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and dear friends whose lives were enriched by his presence.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Alvin Beets and Iness (Moody) Beets; his brother, Edward Lee Beets; sisters Barbara Ann Beets and Judy Carol (Beets) Austin-Harlin; daughter-in-law Christa Maye Beets; nephews Alvin Dean Austin and Richard Darrell Austin; niece Vickie Lynn (Austin) Loughridge-Simmons; and his uncles, Elmer and Vernon Beets.

Charles's life was a testament to the values of hard work, loyalty, generosity, and love. He built more than powerlines and businesses—he built relationships, traditions, and a legacy that will continue through the family and friends who were blessed to know him. Though he will be deeply missed, his example, stories, and unwavering kindness will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

A Celebration of Life honoring Charles will be held on June 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Wintersmith Park Lodge in Ada, Oklahoma. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate a life well lived.

Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Simplicity Burial & Oklahoma Cremation Centers. Friends and family may leave condolences and kind words of comfort at https://www.simplicityburialcremation.com