Charles Martin Gunkel

Charles Martin Gunkel was born on December 6, 1946, in Altus, Oklahoma. He was the son of Eugene Debs Gunkel and Pearle Lucille (Martin) Gunkel. The Gunkel family including Charles and his younger sister Sue lived in Eldorado, Oklahoma. Charles passed from this life on June 9, 2026, in Glenpool, Oklahoma, at the age of 79.

As an elementary student, he began taking piano lessons in Altus becoming an excellent pianist. Charles eventually learned to play the organ and the two Gunkel children began playing instruments for the First Baptist Church in Eldorado and continued until they left for college. Charles was an outstanding baritone and was part of a male quartet in high school that performed far and wide. A member of the school choir, he was selected for the All-State Choir in Oklahoma his senior year. Later in life these same vocal skills were put to good use when his daughter Julie would frequently request that Charles sing the bass lines of the Oak Ridge Boys classic song "Elvira" during family road trips.

Charles had eclectic interests throughout his life. As a child, after those Saturday morning piano and organ lessons, he often asked to be left in downtown Altus for a while so he could peruse the pawn shops and search for treasures. During these visits to the pawn shops, he became fascinated with ham radios. After learning more from a local Eldorado man, Charles joined a group in Quanah, Texas and earned his ham radio license while a high school student. His call sign was WA5MLI. Charles remained interested in amateur radio throughout his life and later convinced his father, wife, and later, his oldest son, Josh to get their ham radio licenses.

After graduating from Eldorado High School as one of four valedictorians in 1965, Charles enrolled at Oklahoma State University and received a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering, graduating in the spring of 1970. During his freshman year at OSU, Charles was recruited to sell a set of Bible Books as a summer job with the Southwestern Company. He worked long hours, but he loved talking with people. By summer's end, he had broken the company record for a first-year salesman and finished No. 1 for the company earning enough to order a brand new 1967 GTO and pay for his sophomore year college expenses. Undoubtedly, the highlight of his college years was meeting and dating Carol Richert. Charles and Carol were married May 23, 1970 shortly after they graduated from OSU. The couple then moved to Tulsa to begin their life together.

When he returned to Tulsa, after completing Basic Training for the Army reserves, Charles began working with the Tom James Company selling custom tailored clothing. Eventually, becoming an independent life insurance broker, earning his CLU credentials. He achieved the Million Dollar Round Table recognition multiple times during his career. As his career expanded to selling investment products, he earned several other certifications.

Charles and his family have been active members of the Southern Hills Baptist Church in Tulsa since 1971, where Charles served as a Deacon. The church Life Group to which Charles

and Carol belong has been a source of education, inspiration, and friendship for many years. In his capacity as a Deacon he was part of the team that visited Ray Murphy, an OSU wrestler who became a quadriplegic after a wrestling injury. Using his knowledge of electronics and technology, Charles maintained the system that gave Ray control of his computer and television. When issues arose, Charles was always quick to respond to help provide Ray with a more independent life.

The Gunkel family enjoyed traveling and camping together. Charles and Carol took several international trips, including a trip to New Zealand where Charles decided to do a bungee jump from a bridge over a river far below. Charles pulled a vintage Air Stream camper and a Sea-Doo behind his trusty old Chevy Suburban as the family camped at many lakes in eastern Oklahoma and Arkansas. John McIntosh and his family often joined the Gunkels and both families enjoyed wonderful grilled meals, campfires, and had abundant camping adventures for many years. Charles honed his cooking skills on those camping trips and became well known for his delicious smoked ham; a skill that he was pleased to pass on to his son Jeff.

It would not be right to leave out the most difficult battle of Charles's life. In 2022 after many signs, he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's disease. As his memory and abilities gradually declined, his family experienced the heartbreaking reality of losing him little by little. Although agitation is often a symptom of these conditions, Charles continued to display the warm smile and easygoing nature that so many knew and loved. His sense of humor would emerge at unexpected moments, offering precious glimpses of the man he had always been. Even during the most challenging days, those moments brought comfort and joy to his family. While the journey became increasingly difficult toward the end, Carol felt deeply blessed that Charles's sweet, loving spirit never truly faded. Through it all, the kindness, warmth, and love that defined him continued to shine through.

Charles cherished his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Lucille Gunkel; many aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of whom he loved dearly. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol (Richert) Gunkel; daughter Julie Lynn Morris and her husband, JJ; sons, Joshua David Gunkel and Jeffrey Eugene Gunkel. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Alex Long and Kinley Morris; Jadon, Eliza and Gabe Gunkel; Haley and Zoe Gunkel. He is also survived by his sister, Sue (Gunkel) Peyton and her husband, Harold Peyton. He is greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Southern Hills Baptist Church, located at 5590 S. Lewis Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74105.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt Glenpool-Bixby Funeral Service & Cremation Care Centers, 1329 East 151st Street, Glenpool, OK 74033. Family and friends may leave kind words of comfort, special memories and condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com