Charles Kirtley

Charles Ray Kirtley age 67 passed away Monday, May 16, 2011 at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma after a brief illness. Charles was born February 19, 1944 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Emit Kirtley and Tressie (Cole) Kirtley. Charles grew up in the Norman area and graduated from Norman High School in 1962. He worked as an antique dealer in Chicago, Puerto Rico, New York City, San Francisco and Half Moon Bay, California. Charles retired in 2008 and returned to the Tulsa area to be closer to his family. Charles and he life partner for fifty years, David Feldman, traveled extensively in Europe and the United States. Wherever they lived, their home was always open to family and friends. He made many life long friends around the world and here in Tulsa. Charles loved to read, theater, opera and art. He was involved in many different organizations. On his 50th birthday, he raised over $50,000.00 for "God's Love We Deliver" in New York City for meals for home bound aide patients. In 2000, he directly raised $20,000.00 for his nephew's heart transplant. He wrote letters and contacted every person he knew. Charles was preceded in death by his parents: Emit and Tressie Kirtley; his two brothers: Kenneth and John Kirtley and his niece: Shellie Barber. He is survived by his life partner: David Feldman of Jenks, Oklahoma his brother: Lloyd Kirtley of Norman, Oklahoma, Judy and Ed Moritz of Pennsylvania; six nieces and one nephew; many great nieces, nephews; great-great nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, friends and acquaintances. Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 23, 2011 at Jenks First Baptist Church, 11701 S. Elm Street, Jenks, Oklahoma. Ron Baker will officiate. Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Arrangements were entrusted to Daniel C. Schaudt of Schaudt's Glenpool Funeral Service & Cremation Care. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com