Charles Dow Rook, 81, beloved husband, father and grandfather of Midwest City went to be with our Lord, October 20, 2013. He died in his home of 54 years.

Born November 12, 1931 in Sayre, OK to Elmer and Bertha Turner Rook, Charles and his older brother Richard moved with their parents to Cheyenne in 1936. Charles graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1949. There, he was a varsity athlete in basketball, baseball and track. Charles and his future wife Darlene were selected Mr. and Miss Cheyenne High School. While attending OU in 1951, he enlisted in the Air Force and shortly thereafter married Darlene Leary. Born to this union were Cheri and Bobby. Upon Charles' discharge in 1955, he reentered and graduated from OU and, thereafter, began his 30 year career as an accountant for Turner Bros Trucking Company. The young family moved into their new home in Midwest City in 1958 where he lived the remainder of his life. After retirement, Charlie and Darlene enjoyed trips to New England, the West, and Europe. Golf clubs were often included in their excursions. While at home he enjoyed working in the yard and in Darlene's herb garden when he was not honing his skills on the golf course Charlie"s first attempt with hospice was a complete failure.

With the assistance of caregivers Jean, Deana and Bobby, Charlie did not count the days but used his time taking day trips to parks, parades, casinos, golf courses, lakes and even floating the Illinois; and jet skiing Lake Tenkiller, camping between tornado warnings and was even seen with his walker at a skate park. He and Darlene were long time member of the Wickline United Methodist Church and chartered members of a small group of his high school alumni called the Cheyenne Gang. He attended the group's last meeting just over a week ago.

Charles is survived by daughter Cheri and husband Ed; and son Bobby; and grandchildren Chazlen, Christina, Brian and their mother Deana

Viewing will be available at Barnes Friederich Funeral Home.

Funeral and services will be held Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, at 9:30 at Wickline United Methodist Church in Midwest City and then graveside service at 3:00 at Cheyenne Cemetery.