Charles Ray Donihoo

Charles Ray Donihoo was born December 23, 1954, in Oklahoma City. He was life partner to Kathy Haynes for 36 years. Together they had a beautiful, blended family that included 5 children, 11 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Charles was preceded in death by Mother, Mary Elizabeth Donihoo: Father, Lee Ray Donihoo; Brother, John Rivers; Brother, Bob Rivers; Brother, Joe Rivers; Sister, Rosie Rivers-Patterson; and Dog, Bernice. He is survived by: Brother, Donnie Rivers and wife Carlene Rivers; Sister, Helen Flickinger and husband Jeff Flickinger; Wife, Kathy Haynes; Children; Jill Johnson, Jennifer Donihoo, and Ben Donihoo and wife Amy Donihoo; Step-children Kelly Booth and Ryan Booth and wife Becky Booth and big, beautiful blended family including 11 grandchildren and 2 great grand-children and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and framily.

Charlie was a lifelong Oklahoma City area resident, excluding a few years adventuring in Arizona, New Mexico, and Florida. He was always glad to come back to OKC. He grew up in the NW OKC area and later moved to the South side. He started working young and one of his first jobs was at one of his favorite places, the Rocket roller skating rink. He spent many hours roller skating as a teen and was skilled skating backwards, at shoot the duck, and rubber legging. He was not able to make a career at this hobby, so he went on to begin his career in building maintenance. He worked many years in building maintenance at Demco, then later for Circle K stores, and then City Walk in Bricktown. No matter his job Charlie always was working on projects at home or with friends. 

Charlie is Jill, Jennifer, and Ben’s dad. As a daddy of young children, he was always willing to roll around on the floor to wrestle, move giant playhouses in the back yard, air up balls and bicycle wheels and hang up Christmas lights to make our eyes shine. As a dad of adult children, he was always willing to listen and support, no matter his own opinion. He was gruff, stubborn, and matter of fact, but always considerate and thoughtful of others thoughts and feelings. 

Charlie was a loyal friend and no matter the season of life had a strong group of friends. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, cards, and dominoes. He was also always ready to help a friend build a deck, replace a door, or take on the group’s next project. Often projects were at the lake with the framily or a new project Kathy had for him. 

Charlie liked to be busy. He would do laundry, tinker around the house or lake, or just try to annoy Kathy. He was also a lover of music. He could often be found on the back patio performing his own concerts at the top of his lungs despite his lack of musical skill. 

He enjoyed being around people. He thrived when family and friends were in his home or when gathered at the lake or on Wednesday nights at the office, AKA, Henry Hudsons. He liked being the life of the party and making all feel welcome and a part. 

May we always remember Charlie’s easygoing attitude, stubborn perspective, helpful, friendly personality, and may we all live with no regrets. Cheers, from Charlie!

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