Charles grew up in western Oklahoma, south Texas and New Mexico. He enlisted in the Army at a young age and was a distinguished veteran of the Korean War. The Army recognized his impressive service and decorated him with a Purple Heart, in addition to numerous other medals of valor. He was particularly proud of his service to our country.
He was an outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing, but particularly fishing. If you were fishing with him, he was likely to out fish you in number and regularly caught the largest fish of the day. He had many pets throughout his life and always enjoyed having them at his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sons, Scott Leon and Charles Leon, Jr.; brothers and sisters, Pauline, Homer, Joy, Jeannie, J.D. and Jack; his half brothers and sister, Buster, Otter and Pearl.
He is survived by his 2 children, Latisha Charme’ Tate and husband, John Needham, Oklahoma City, OK and Shane Leon Sumpter, Oklahoma City, OK; 1 grandson, Ian Randolph Needham, Oklahoma City, OK; beloved nephew, Tony Sumpter and wife, Lorrie, Reydon, OK and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.