Obituary of Charles Sidney Lake

Charles “Chuck” Sidney Lake, 89, of Sapulpa OK, passed away June 11, 2024 at BeeHive Homes of Glenpool, Glenpool, OK.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Eleanor Ann Thompson Lake.

Chuck was born February 22, 1935 to Sidney A. Lake and Nellie Mae Montgomery Lake in Claremore, OK at his grandmother’s home. The family moved to Muskogee, OK in 1945. 

Chuck graduated from Muskogee High School in 1953 where he was involved in music, playing the violin and singing. Upon graduation, he attended Muskogee Junior College graduating with an associate in arts degree in 1955.  After graduation, he worked for the Muskogee Phoenix Newspaper in advertising.  With this newspaper experience, he landed a job at the Sapulpa Daily Herald in 1956. He worked with owner Ed Livermore, who became a mentor and close friend. When the paper sold to conglomerate Park Newspapers, Chuck was recommended as general manager of the newspaper.  He got that job and worked his way to Division Manager overseeing close to 50 other newspapers across the country. Chuck loved the newspaper business and it was common to see him snapping photos, covering community events, writing news stories and editorials in addition to managing the newspaper business. In total, he worked at the Sapulpa Daily Herald 41 years.

Chuck, was an active member at First Christian Church in Sapulpa and part of the Builder’s Sunday School.  He was a supporter of civic and community groups being awarded many honors. He was also active in the Oklahoma National Guard, Company H from 1955-1964, as well as active with their reunions. In his spare time, he acquired and managed rental property in Sapulpa.

Charles grew up during The Great Depression where, according to him, “nothing was wasted”.  If you knew Chuck, you know he never wasted anything! He instilled the importance of an education in his family and he was proud that all his children and grandchildren were graduates of the University of Oklahoma. Boomer Sooner!

Survivors include daughters Beverly Susan (John), Carol Ann (Jeff).  Grandchildren Sarah Brooke Smart (Jerad), Bradley John Light (Haley), Kathryn Grace Bowron (Josh). Great grandchildren Luke Smart (15), Madelyn Smart (9), Emma Light (9), Lucy Light (6), Tristan Light (2) and new baby Light coming November 2024. Sister Doris Marie Cooper Powell (Ed), niece Lisa Waters Youngquist (Steve), and nephew Jeffrey Waters (Shelly). And a host of great nieces and nephews, plus dear friends.

The family has entrusted arrangements with Green Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, Sapulpa, OK.  Interment will be in Green Hill Memorial Mausoleum.

If you would like to make donations in Chuck’s memory, please consider the Sapulpa Public Library.