Charles Robert Babst

Charles Robert Babst was born on a ranch about a mile and a half southwest of Fairland, Oklahoma, on May 6, 1938. His father was Theodore Otto Babst and his mother was Charlotte "Lottie" (Schnarre) Babst. He graduated from Fairland Public Schools, where he was active in the marching band, in 1956. Charles was also a member of Future Farmers of America, and played in the FFA National Band in Kansas City. He proudly served in a United States Army Reserve artillery unit. Charles was employed in many interesting endeavors: hauling and barning hay, the Buffalo Ranch photo booth, Burlington garment factory, Gibson's department store, B. F. Goodrich, auctioneering, and real estate. At the same time, he was a lifelong rancher with his brother Don, and a second-generation Farmers Union insurance agent. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fairland, serving as an Elder for almost 60 years. In March 1960, he met his future wife JoNell Chamberlain at a Fairland basketball game shortly after she was hired to teach Home Economics at Fairland High School. They married on December 30, 1960. Two children were born of this marriage: Charles R. "Chuck" Babst, Jr. and LaDonna Lea Babst. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and collecting early 20th Century Americana. Charles was preceded in death by JoNell on September 6, 2021. On May 8, 2023, he passed away peacefully at home, still on the ranch where he was born, about a mile and a half southwest of Fairland, Oklahoma. His son and daughter were with him. In addition to his two children, he is survived by two grandchildren: Annika Hunter "Cory" Babst and Logan Charles Babst. Visitation will be 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairland. Services will be 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fairland with Reverend Leo Schroeder officiating. Interment will follow at the Fairland Lutheran Cemetery under the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairland. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ottawa County 4-H in memory of Charles and JoNell Babst. Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Mr. Babst’s Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.

Charles Robert Babst

May 6, 1938 - May 8, 2023