Charles William Gotwals "Chooch" (age 74) unexpectedly passed from this life on May 20, 2023. At his passing he was surrounded by his family and loved ones. Charles was born, raised, worked, retired and died in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He attended Marquette, Cascia Hall, Tulsa Central High School, and Oklahoma State University. At Oklahoma State, he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Historically, He was an active member of the Marian Council, Knights of Columbus at the local and state levels. The majority of his professional career was spent in the banking industry, and he served as President of the Tulsa Chapter of the American Institute of Banking.
Charles was predeceased by his parents, Charles Place Gotwals, Jr. and Mary Frances Gotwals, his sister, Virginia Gotwals Jackson, and brother-in-law, Brooks Walton. He is survived by his beloved wife, Diana Gotwals, his stepdaughters, Kelsie and Katie Wells, his brother, James R. Gotwals and wife, Janet Gotwals and his sister Annie Walton. He is further survived by his brother-in-law Gary Jackson, and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends who also shared a close and loving relationship with Charles. Charles also leaves behind his sidekick and man's best friend, Sasha.
Charles enjoyed travel, family events, corvette weekends in Eureka Springs, cigars, a cold Heineken, attending and hosting parties, and exercising his 2nd amendment rights attending gun shows. He spent many weekends throughout his life at Wauhillau Outing Club near Tahlequah with friends and family.
Despite his seemingly gruff demeanor at times, you could always tell how much he cared for and loved the quality time spent with his family and friends. His love for camaraderie and service to others was always evident, he had an infectious humor, and he was extremely grateful to have had as much time as he did to be around his loved ones and friends.
Charles served as treasurer of the Tulsa Central High School Class of 1967 reunion committee. He also served on the Tau Kappa Epsilon Alumni Board and was inducted into the Oklahoma TKE Hall of Fame in 2008. Most recently, he served as an officer and committee member of the Tri-County Council on Aging (TCCA), an advisory council to the INCOG Area Agency on Aging.
Charles will be dearly missed by all of those that knew him. While it is difficult not to mourn the loss of such an amazing person, husband, stepfather, uncle and cousin, we will remember the life of Charles and all he meant to us. Funeral Services will be held at Christ the King Church in Tulsa on Friday, June 2nd at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of sending flowers, please donate to the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals ( www.animalallianceok.org ).