Charles William Sandmann

Charles was born in McAlister, Oklahoma on August 8, 1928 to Fredrick W. and Elizabeth Sandmann of Cottonwood, Ok. He was the youngest of four children in a coal mining family. His father was killed in a mine accident when he was one year old leaving his mother with four very young children to rear during the depression. With the aid of the Mayer and Sandmann families and many good neighbors, she was very successful. The family moved to Coalgate when Charles was nine. The children worked with their Uncle Bill in his Bottling plant after school to help with finances. Charles' oldest brother John Fredrick was killed during WW II and his Brother Paul was wounded. His sister Margaret worked in a munitions factory in Tulsa. Charles and his mother held down the "home front". He graduated from Coalgate High School and then entered the army. After his service, he used the G.I. Bill to enter East Central University and graduate in three years with a degree to teach biology and math. He taught in Atoka, Blackwell and Oklahoma City public schools. He taught at Central Jr.-Sr. High School and received his master' s degree in guidance and counseling. It was there he met a new teacher Phyllis Banta and they married in 1957. As it was the time of the "new" math, he received summer scholarships to the University of Wisconsin, The University of Oregon and the University of Oklahoma. In 1965 he joined the staff of the Oklahoma State Education Department of Guidance and Counseling. He received degrees from Central State College and then a Doctorate of Education from OU. While at the State Education Department he held positions in Human Relations and was Director of Federal Grants until an old education associate asked him to retire from education and enter the oil business. He began his second career at Farmer's Union Cooperative Royalty Association in 1982 and these were the happiest days of his life. Every day was a challenge and he couldn't wait to get to work each morning. In 1987 he was made president of the company and remained until his retirement in 2002. He stayed on the Board of Directors until shortly before his death. Charles is survived by his wife, Phyllis, his sons Charles William Jr, and David Dwight grandchildren, Charles William III, Chase, Carole Burke, James and Catrina. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Kenny Boren and the light of his life, Jaina Sandmann (the first girl in this Sandmann family). Deborah Sandmann is considered a daughter and much loved. One grandson Christopher Neil preceded him in death.