Charles Burl Sexson Ii

Charles Burl Sexson II, 76, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle passed peacefully and in good company in his home on the 23rd day of October 2022. He was born on the 21st day of August 1946, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Maurice B. Sexson and Minnie R. Sexson. His life was full and well lived.

He is the husband of Sharon E. Sexson. They had been married for fifty years. His love and adoration for her will continue throughout eternity. They were one hell of a pair and could entertain with the best of them. Mom would cook and occasionally slap Chuck with a spatula for picking at the food before it was ready for serving.

From the outset, it was clear that Chuck had a bright future. He was an Eagle Scout and a life-long supporter of the Boy Scouts of America. He graduated from Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis, Indiana and had the good fortune of playing basketball with some outstanding players.

After high school, Chuck attended Ball State University and then the University of Mississippi. Apparently, Chuck was more interested in having a good time than attending class. Accordingly, the United States Army conscripted him.

During his service in the United States Army, Big Red One, he was highly decorated for his service to our country. The picture above is Chuck receiving a Silver Star from General Westmoreland, commander of United States forces during the Vietnam War. Chuck received the following medals, ribbons and badges: Silver Star (one Oak leaf cluster); Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (one Oak Leaf Cluster); National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal (with two Bronze Stars); Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with 1960 device; Army Presidential Unit Citation (two Oak Leaf Clusters); Navy Presidential Unit Citation; Republic Of Vietnam Gallantry Cross With Palm Unit Citation; Overseas Bars (two); Combat Infantry Badge; Army Expert Infantry Badge, Marksman Badge (M-14); and, 1st Class Gunner Badge (M-60). I have had the opportunity to review the daily letters he sent to my mother from Vietnam. The letters are moving and vivid. He generously supported veteran charities and his thoughts were always with his friends that made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

He was a proud graduate of Indiana University, cheering on the Hoosiers through thick and thin. As a company man for Marathon Oil, he traveled the world and is forever grateful for the lifelong friendships he made. He finished his career with Fortier, Inc, eventually becoming Chairman of the Board. He was very proud of Fortier, Inc., and all the employees.

Chuck enjoyed his time as a member of the Shriners’ Masonic Fraternity and has fond memories spent with his father participating in various philanthropic events. He was also the President of the local Ducks Unlimited chapter in Findlay, Ohio. Chuck was additionally known to referee soccer matches in his earlier days and coached several of his sons’ teams. He was a proud coach and was always very supportive of the players on his teams.

He would also proudly tell you that he was a member of multiple golf clubs in which he made many friendships. Those clubs include Indian Springs, Meadow Brook, Golf Club of Oklahoma, the Oaks and the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. In addition to golf, Chuck was accomplished in trap and skeet and had fond memories of his hunts from Chesapeake Bay, Maryland; Delaware; Thunderstik Lodge, South Dakota; Commerce, Texas; Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, Stuttgart, Arkansas, Tamaulipas, Mexico; to Cordoba, Argentina. Chuck also loved to fish with his friends and sons. He could always regale you with fish stories about: marlins and sail fish off the coast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; tuna off of Hawaii; amberjack and red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico; walleye in the wilds of Canada; salmon in the rivers of Washington; striper in Lake Texoma; trout in the many rivers of Montana, Colorado and Arkansas; bass at Grand Lake, Oklahoma and Table Rock, Missouri.

Chuck also was fond of attending sporting events with his sons. We sat courtside at the NBA Finals, first row at the World Series, a week at Augusta, a week at two U.S. Opens and three PGA Championships, walked the Ryder Cup, dead center at the Red River Rivalry, first turn at the Indy 500, suite seats at more venues than I can name, and his wallet was always open for snacks and a drink. He truly loved the camaraderie of sport.

He was also a good steward to his family … a true pater familias. He taught us all the value of hard labor and smart work. He taught us how to play golf and tennis, ride bicycles, properly shake a hand, show respect and how to play from the bottom of your feet to the top of your head and with every fiber in your body. He was tough, fair, generous to a fault, modest but gregarious and a tremendous provider. Most importantly, he possessed a deep love for each of us and we possess a deep love for him. He will be greatly missed.

Chuck is survived by his wife Sharon E. Sexson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; his son, Charles Burl Sexson III, Esq. his daughter in law Erin M. Sexson, DDS his two grandchildren Robert W. Sexson and C. Thomas Sexson all of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma; his sister Florence M. Hackler of Indianapolis, Indiana; and many other family members and persons that he sincerely loved. Chuck will be joining his beloved son, Joseph Fortier Sexson, in the warm embrace of our heavenly Father.

Chuck will be interned at Arlington National Cemetery. Funeral arrangements will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to veteran charities. On a personal note, my father always found peace when it rained. He would sit outside under the porch, with a cocktail at his side and listen to the pitter patter of the rain falling. The next time you hear a quiet rain in the night … take a moment, pour yourself a light cocktail and quietly lift your glass to a good man who is now in a place of content, where slower clocks strike happier hours. Our fondest remembrances, may he rest in peace.