Charles Paine, age 82, of Muskogee, passed away Wednesday, March 17, 2010. He was born January 25, 1928 in Enid, Oklahoma, where he grew up and graduated from high school.

Always a gifted athlete, he excelled at football at Enid High School earning All-State honors several years. Charles was an easy going well respected person. He was also class president all three years of high school and was voted Herald his senior year by the student body; the highest honor at Enid High School.

Charles was recruited to play football by the University of Oklahoma where he earned letterman, was a member of the 1949 undefeated team, and he participated in both Sugar and Gator Bowls.

After graduating from OU, Charles began his career as Head Football Coach at Kingfisher High School. This was a job he did not pursue, but was encouraged to take and recommended to the Kingfisher Board of Education by his College Football Coach, Bud Wilkinson.

From Kingfisher, Charles was the High School Football Coach at Winfield, Kansas. Although he coached there only two years, he touched the lives of his players to the extent that they honored him at their 50th Class Reunion in 2004. Charles ended his coaching career at his Alma Mater, Enid High School.

Entering the business world, Charles served as Executive Director of Enid United Way. From Enid, Charles moved his family to Muskogee in 1961, where he served as Executive Director of United Way for 18 years.

One of the most endearing qualities of Charles was that he always put the care and concern of others before himself. The Gospel Rescue Mission was very dear to his heart. He spent countless hours helping people in need.

Over the years, Charles built many houses for his family. In the late 70’s he turned that passion into a real estate career with his son, Craig.

After retiring, he got to do what he enjoyed most-fishing and being outdoors. He spent many hours fishing with his buddies at Sequoyah Bay Marina.

Charles loved his Heavenly Father and his faith was displayed through his actions and commitment to his Lord and Savior. He was a member of Eastern Heights Baptist Church.

Charles was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed by his family.

He is survived by his wife, Sammye, who was his high school sweetheart and the love of his life; three children, Craig and his wife, Cheryl, of Tulsa; daughter, Kimberly Paine of Muskogee; and son, Chuck Paine and his wife, Diane, of Edmond; six grandchildren, Ashley Boomer, Brian Paine, Tiffany Paine, Tisa Riggs, Morgan Goslin, and Taylor Paine; four great-grandchildren, Seth and Grayson Boomer, Roman Paine, and Reese Riggs; sister, Neva Cummings of Gunnison, Colorado; brother, Homer Paine of Enid, Oklahoma; and sister, Pauline Carter of Helena, Oklahoma; sister, Patty King of Enid, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Homer Paine and Emma Wills; brother and best friend, Clarence Paine and brother, Ronnie Wills.

Friends may wish to remember Charles by making donations to The Gospel Rescue Mission, 326 S. 2nd, Muskogee, Oklahoma 74401.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 20th at Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum with Pastor Tom Shelton and Pastor Jeff Mann officiating.

Funeral service arrangements are under the direction of Foster-Petering Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.foster-petering.com