In Loving Memory of Charles Claud Sweet

1941 - 2025

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, the family of Charles Claud Sweet announces his peaceful passing on June 6, 2025, in Waurika, Oklahoma. He was 84 years old. Though his earthly journey has come to a close, the legacy of his kindness, devotion, and gentle spirit will live on forever in the lives of those he touched.

Charles was born on April 7, 1941, in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, to Theodore Alvin Claud Sweet and Edna Mae Strange-Sweet. He was raised in Haileyville, Oklahoma, alongside his beloved sister Francine, in a home overflowing with love, warmth, and deep-rooted values that would shape the course of his life. He graduated from Haileyville High School and carried with him the heart of a small-town boy who believed in hard work, family, and helping others.

At just 21 years old, Charles' life changed forever when he met the love of his life, Anita Sue Roberts, at a skating rink in McAlester, Oklahoma. It was love at first sight—a magnetic connection that led to a whirlwind romance and, within six months, a marriage that would last nearly six decades. They were wed in Poteau, Oklahoma, and shortly thereafter, began their life together in Texas in 1964.

Charles was an incredibly hard-working man that took great pride in the work that he did. Shortly after coming to Texas, he embarked on a career in a machine shop where he worked for Imperial Tool and Manufacturing making parts for the aerospace industry.  Trusted as their most valuable asset, they allowed him to run the shop for most of his 30 year career. He not only was meticulous and took a great deal of pride in the work that he did, but he worked hard not just for his employer, but for his family. Always providing everything that his family needed and more. Though they became proud Texans, Oklahoma always held a sacred place in their hearts, a place where their love story began and their roots remained.

Charles and Sue built a life that was rich in love and joy. Together, they raised two beloved children, Tina and Charles Wayne. As a father, Charles was nothing short of extraordinary. His daughter lovingly described him as "the best dad in the world," and his son said he was "one of the most gentle and kind men who ever lived." He was a man who would lend a hand to anyone in need, who welcomed everyone into his home with generosity and warmth. His kindness was effortless, his love unconditional.

Family life with Charles was full of adventure and fun. When the children were young, he and Sue bought dirt bikes so they could all ride together—creating unforgettable memories filled with dust, laughter, and freedom. As the children grew, Charles and Sue pivoted from motocross to "lake life," trading the bikes for a boat so they could teach their kids to fish, swim, and water-ski. Though their son may have grumbled at first about parting with his dirt bike, he quickly came to appreciate the joy of boating, the laughter over sunlit waters, and the time spent together as a family.

When the children had grown and the nest was quieter, Charles and Sue discovered a new kind of freedom: travel. They returned to one of their early loves—motorcycle riding—by purchasing a Goldwing and taking to the open road. Together with friends, they journeyed across the country, exploring national parks and hidden gems across the U.S., always hand-in-hand, always side-by-side. Their adventures were not just about the destinations—they were about savoring every mile, every moment, and every memory.

Charles was a man who built his life, quite literally, from the ground up. He and Sue constructed their dream home in Azle, Texas—stick by stick, sheet by sheet. It was a labor of love, and for 30 years they called it home. Charles cultivated a beautiful garden there, nurturing his plants with the same gentle care he gave to his family. Neighbors often found themselves blessed by the fruits of his labor, especially his prized tomatoes, which he gladly shared with all.

One of Charles and Sue's greatest pleasures was simply sitting on the screened-in porch they built together. Whether feeding the deer and squirrels that came into their yard or just listening to the comforting rhythm of the rain, it was their sanctuary. Later in life, they discovered another shared joy—going to the casino. They became frequent companions on little adventures to play the slots, and in a poetic twist of fate, Charles passed doing something he loved, surrounded by the spirit of excitement and fun that he and Sue had so often enjoyed together.

Charles was also an ardent fan of OU football. Watching the Sooners with his family brought him tremendous joy and a fierce sense of pride. He cheered them on through every win and every loss, always faithful, always hopeful.

After Sue passed away, Charles moved in with his daughter Tina and her husband Wes in Decatur, Texas. They built a tiny home for him just behind their house, and in this cozy space, he found comfort, companionship, and peace. Being close to his daughter was a gift—one that helped ease the ache of losing his beloved wife and filled his days with love, laughter, and purpose.

Charles Claud Sweet was a devoted husband, a remarkable father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, a selfless neighbor, and a true friend. He leaves behind a family deeply proud of his life and forever grateful for his love.

He is survived by his daughter Tina and her husband Wes Robinson; his son Charles Wayne and his wife Lisa Sweet; his sister Francine and her husband Jerry Onesky; his grandchildren Ashley and Jonathan Head, Kale and Cassi Sweet, Stacey Sullivan, Tyler Stewart, and Noah Stewart; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Cameron Head, Leighton Head, and Aiden Blodgett.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Anita Sue Roberts-Sweet, and by his parents, Theodore and Edna Sweet.

A funeral service honoring Charles' life will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Azle Funeral Chapel on the grounds of Azleland Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by a chapel service at 2:00 PM. A graveside committal service will follow at Azleland Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved Sue.

In remembering Charles, may we all strive to love more freely, give more generously, and live more kindly—just as he did every day of his life.