Charles Huff

Charles was born on July 28, 1941 to Jack and Rebecca Huff. Born and raised in Poteau, Oklahoma, Charles developed a love of football, baseball, basketball, and speech and drama. He graduated from Poteau High School in 1959, and then went to Eastern Oklahoma State College, not far from home, in Wilburton, OK.

During the 1961-62 school year, he was a national finalist both as a single and mixed team debater, and was selected as the "National Actor of the Year" for his appearance in the college's play, "Tea House of the August Moon." What was even more amazing, at that time the Eastern Oklahoma Junior College was competing against four-year colleges and universities all over the nation. During his two years at Eastern, Charles was the leading actor in numerous plays and received outstanding revues.

He later attended the University of Oklahoma on full scholarship for speech and drama, and pursued the AFROTC program. Upon graduation, he attended Officers Training School, and he became a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. Charles entered flight school and then became an instructor pilot at Sheppard AFB in Texas.

Charles flew over 200 missions in the skies of Vietnam and Laos. He was part of the 433rd Tactical Fighter Squadron and the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, known as the Wolf Pack. Charles earned the Distinguished Flying Cross with One Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with One Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with Two Silver and Three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, and many others. After the war, Charles passionately did all he could for the Prisoners Of War. He helped organize the Freedom Flight Program better known as Operation Homecoming at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Charles designed the "Three's In" Patch which depicted the once-missing plane in formation coming home.

Those who knew Charles knew he was a patriot, a great American who loved his country, his family and friends, and above all this was his love for God. He was a father figure to not only his own children, but to all who came into his life. He was always eager to share his love for college football especially OU! Additionally, Charles was an avid golfer, karaoke extraordinaire, and master griller. His other careers were numerous, including an English Teacher, a Realtor, and an Insurance Consultant. Though he lived a long life full of accomplishments, Charles still had dreams he hoped to accomplish. He was actively pursuing becoming an actor and for a short time was a motivational speaker.

Charles Edward Huff's life will forever be cherished in the lives of his wife, Rosie; his son and daughter in-law, Charles (Chuck) and Alexis Huff; his daughter and son-in-law Kristel and Brad McBride; his daughter Karina Otoya Valencia; and his six granddaughters, Taylor Huff, Logan Huff, Skye Harris, Lauryn McBride, Lilly McBride, and Ivanna Otoya Valencia.

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