Charles Dwight Caughern, Sr. was born September 7th, 1939 in Hodgen, Oklahoma to Columbus Christopher and Viola Francis (Doyle) Caughern and passed away May 16th, 2026 in Muskogee, Oklahoma at the age of 86.
Charles married the love of his life Gladys Deliphene (Ridenour) Caughern on February 5th, 1959, and they were faithfully married for 50 years. Together they had three sons, Chuck, Tim, and Jim.
Charles was a graduate of Heavener high school. He attend Carl Albert Jr. College and then went on to receive his bachelors and Masters from Southeastern Oklahoma State university as well as his superintendent certification from Texas A&M Commerce. Charles had many jobs while obtaining his degree in education from logging, to highline work, and even the railroad for a while. His career in education began in Monroe as a coach, he would then move to Muse/ Whitesboro to coach and teach. The following year he was hired as the superintendent at Albion public schools. Through his life he served as the Superintendent at Stuart, Valliant and Battiest. In 1980 he became the superintendent at Cameron and remained there for 25 years until his retirement in 2005.
Charles was ordained as a minister February 24th of 1963 at Hodgen First Baptist Church and became the pastor at Summerfield Baptist church June 1st, 1965. He faithfully served as the pastor there for 59 years, making him the longest serving pastor for one church in the state of Oklahoma to date.
After retirement Charles enjoyed ranching, taking care of his cattle, his tractors and spending his summer in the hayfields.
He was a loving husband, father, son, grandson, brother, papa, uncle, cousin, and friend. Charles will be dearly missed by all whom loved and knew him.
Charles is survived by:
One son:
Dr. Charles “Chuck” Caughern, Jr. and wife Sheila of McAlester, Oklahoma
Seven grandchildren:
Bailey Caughern Cox and husband Dustin, Charles Dwight “Cole” Caughern, III and wife Kenzie, Brittney Caughern Garza, Haley Caughern Zacarias and husband Jonathan, Madison Caughern, Jake Caughern and wife Amanda, and Jackie Caughern James and husband Isaac
19 great-grandchildren:
Creece, Carley, Charles Dwight “Creek” Caughern, IV, Blair, Caden, Isabel, Ella, Case, Christian, Gianna, Jay, Alec, Adrian, Kate, Ben, Makinsie, Gage, Reese, and Joleigh
A daughter-in-law:
Christi Caughern
Numerous other family members and a host of many friends
Charles was preceded in death by his first wife, Gladys “Del” Caughern; his second wife, Betty Caughern; two sons, Timothy Allen Caughern and James “Jim” Caughern; two grandson-in-laws, Casey Garza and Jeremy Pebley; six sisters, Gladys McCurtain, Paralee Keeney, M.A. Sims, Freda Stewart, Evelyn Widmar, and Janette Wickware; and two brothers, Billy Dwain Caughern and Zelbert Ray Caughern.
A funeral service to honor Charles’ life will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2026 at the Summerfield Baptist Church with Reverend Clay Caughern officiating. Burial will follow in Summerfield Cemetery in Summerfield, Oklahoma under the direction and care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be:
Jake Caughern, Cole Caughern, Justin Frizzell, Dwain Caughern, Dwight Caughern, and Chris Wickware
Honorary pallbearers will be:
Isaac James, Gage James, Ben Caughern, Jonathan Zacarias, Jeff Caughern, Clinton Phipps, Jr., Frank Earven, Mike Deere, Dustin Cox, Creece Cox, Charles Dwight “Creece” Caughern, John Long, and Mike Cox
Viewing with be from Noon until 8:00 p.m., with the family visiting with friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home.
To sign Charles’ online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
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