Charles Ray Knierihm

Funeral service for Charles Ray Knierihm will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at the Harvest Baptist Church in Claremore. Burial will follow at the Hennessey Cemetery under the direction of the MMS-Payne Funeral Home & Cremation Service. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Wed., at First Christian Church, Hennessey.

Charles passed away Monday, November 25, 2013 in Claremore at the age of 66.

The son of Henry "Bud" and Marjorie Cain Knierihm was born October 10, 1947 in Enid, Oklahoma. He was raised in the nearby town of Hennessey. There he attended school, graduating with the class of 1965. After graduating and wanting to help his mother support the family, Charles earned his license to be a hairdresser. Shortly after he began working in Enid. It was also while in Enid that he met Dana Baxter while at a dance. They quickly hit it off and began dating. They married June 21, 1968 at the First Baptist Church of Hennessey. Wanting to provide more for he and his wife, Charles pursued jobs working as a sewing machine salesman, a welder, and a maintenance man before starting his career with Enid Grain Inspection. In the late 1970's his job transferred him to Claremore. He became the bulk grain inspector for the port of Catoosa. For over 40 years he did inspection for the port, and earned USDA licenses to inspect wheat, sorghum and soybeans just to name a few. He didn't let work consume his life, so he had many hobbies and pastimes he enjoyed. Such as coaching little league baseball, playing guitar in a couple of local bands, refereeing, baseball, basketball, softball and football. Continued education was also a priority, so he read lots of educational books, and Sherlock Holmes mysteries. He also made sure he had time to help his brother prepare for the local stockcar races. He also helped his son with micro-racing. In the past few years Charles also began supporting a cause that was close to his heart. It was the Rogers County Food 4 Kids campaign through the Rogers County Salvation Army. Charles will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Marjorie, and brother, Dennis Knierihm.

Survivors include his wife, Dana of the home; son Erik Knierihm and wife Sarah of Tulsa; grandson, Ryland Knierihm of Tulsa, and brother, Darrell Knierihm and wife Martha of Hennessey.

Memorial may be made to Rogers County Food 4 Kids c/o Georgi Bruce to 2155 S. Echo Canyon Rd. Claremore, Oklahoma 74017