Charles Andrew Willett

February 8, 1891 – January 31, 1919

Charles A. Willett was born February 8th 1891, and has lived all except the first four years of that time in Perry, Oklahoma. At the age of sixteen his father died, and he early assumed the responsibilities of the home. He has been more than a son and brother to his mother and brothers and sister. He was confidant and counsellor to his mother and tenderly looked after the interests of all the family. For the past eleven years he has been connected with the Bank of Commerce, of this city, and at the time of his death was Cashier.

He was esteemed and loved by all who knew him, but only his immediate family knew his real worth as a devoted son and brother.

Mr. Willett was called to service last summer, and at the signing of the armistice was in Officers Training Camp at Camp Gordon, Ga. He returned home and after a short visit with his mother returned to his former position in the bank. His future prospects were bright and he looked forward to a life of usefulness in the world.

Funeral services were held at the home of John A. Hansen, Sunday afternoon. Rev. P. J. Vermillion delivered the funeral sermon. The Masons attended in a body and had charge of the services at the grave in Grace Hill cemetery.

He is survived by his mother, Mrs. C. R. Hartman, his sister, Miss Genevieve Willett, and two brothers, Lieut. Yeulin Willett and George A. Willett, all of whom were at his bedside when the last sad summons came.

Through the rough and tumble of boyhood days, of education and the troubles and tribulations of school days’ youthful hardships, he grew to manhood among us, he was respected and made good in effort and confidence; came to be of material worth, just in the prime of manhood to enjoy the returns of his efforts, when came that strange moment that the grave could not forget and lay low some less ambitious, less beloved head.

To the grieved mother, sister and brothers, there is at least the consolation that
“Men die but once, and the opportunity
Of a noble death is not an every day forture;
It is a gift which noble spirits pray for.”