Charles Blaine Mcfarland

OUR FATHER, CHARLES B. MCFARLAND Most people would expect to hear a great man's life story from a biographer, or some other objective source. No professional writer, however, could give a true account of our father without having known him as we have. In our eyes, he was a great and admirable man. Charles B. McFarland accomplished and saw more than many people who are considered famous. He was not famous, nor would he have wanted to be, because it was not in his nature to seek celebrity. For this reason, we have learned as much about our father from other people as from him. In short, he was brilliant, an entrepreneur, a devout religious man, and a devoted husband, father and son. Beyond this he was a truly good man. The following is a brief summary of a life that could fill volumes, though he would have modestly disputed our descriptions of him. Charles (Chuck) grew up in Oklahoma City, and began his career as a successful businessman by winning a national baby contest at less than one-year-old. For this he earned his family $100 (a lot of money in 1920) and with it bought a dairy cow (his first major investment). He distinguished himself as an accomplished scholar and athlete at Putnam City High School. He was a skilled left-handed pitcher on the championship baseball team and, at the age of 15, graduated Valedictorian of his class. Chuck entered the University of Notre Dame in 1934, at an age when most boys were still playing marbles. At the university he graduated Cum Laude, With Honors and attained a Bachelor's Degree in Science and Commerce with a major in Accounting. Leaving the university in 1938, he proceeded to a teaching job at St. Gregory's University in Shawnee, where he instructed students, the majority of whom were older than he. After the onset of World War II, our father entered the Service as a recruit at the age of 21. Promoted to Captain under Generals Eichelberger and MacArthur, he was in charge of coordinating naval movements of army troops in the Pacific in preparation for the invasion of Japan. For his efficiency in this matter, he earned the Bronze Star. In addition, he was recognized for his marksmanship skills by earning the title of "sharpshooter." After the war, Chuck returned home to Bethany, where he went into the nursery business with his mother. While working at the nursery by day, he earned his law degree by night at Oklahoma City University and was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar in 1949. Along with his brother, Bob, he pursued numerous business ventures including a drive-in theatre and one of the city's first super markets. Gradually, business rentals and private investment became his primary focus of income, and in these areas his experience, efficiency, and knowledge helped make him a successful entrepreneur. During these years Chuck became a member of the Kiwanis Club and served as the president of the Bethany Chapter in 1954. In 1956 he served as Lieutenant Governor of Division 19, and in 1958 he served as Governor of Kiwanis for Oklahoma and Texas. He was also an active member of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. Chuck met our mother, Ruth, and was married in 1960. At 41-years-old, not a young man to begin a family, he pursued a new career – as a father of five children. A devout Catholic, Chuck helped build St. Michael's Roman Catholic Chapel, which made worship possible for hundreds of people. His kindness is spoken of among his friends, and his leadership and love have been an inspiration to our family. We will miss you, Daddy. Charles B. McFarland was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth McFarland, and his brother, Robert McFarland. He is survived by his children, Mary Britton, Martha Goetz, Michael McFarland, Matthew McFarland, Megan Conine, and eight grandchildren. Visitation will be 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday, June 17 at Smith & Kernke, N. May Ave. Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm Friday at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Chapel, 4701 N. McMillan, Bethany, Oklahoma. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, June 18, also at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Chapel.