Lieutenant Colonel Charles Oliver Lescher, Jr., of Fairview, Texas, passed away on August 22, 2024, at the age of 90. He was born to Charles Oliver Lescher, Sr. and Eulah Belle (Lane) Lescher on September 11, 1933, in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Charles graduated from Central High School in Muskogee, was on the swim team and graduated in 1951. He attended the University of Oklahoma, was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and received a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology in 1955. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of North Colorado in 1978 and an MBA from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas in 1987.
He joined the United States Air Force in 1955 and served his country with distinction as a Test Fighter Pilot, flying over 3,000 hours, until he retired in 1977. During his service, he flew 147 missions in Vietnam, became an Honorary Member of the Royal Thai Air Force, and served 3 years as the Attache to the King of Jordan. His “most exciting flight experience” was surviving a high speed bail out from his favorite jet, an F-104 Starfighter.
To hear the full story in his own words: https://generationsbroadcasting.com/long_stories/charles-lescher-jr/
Charles married his lifelong sweetheart, (Peggy) Gaynelle Willis Lescher, in Muskogee on March 24, 1956. He served a decade as a Boy Scout Troop Master, enjoyed running and water volleyball, was an active Toastmaster, and a devoted fan of OU football.
Charles was an adoring husband, loving father and grandfather, a loyal friend and supportive colleague. His faith was strong and his gentle, kind-hearted spirit, deep voice and contagious smile will be missed by all who knew him.
Charles is survived by his daughter-in-law, Lucretia Lescher of Fairview; two grandchildren, Oliver Brooks Lescher and Emma Lescher Biedleman (Bo), both of Dallas; and four nieces, Judy Gullick Esper (Vaughn) of Montana, Jane Gullick Gordon (Lee) of Arkansas, Jean Gullick Kay of Oklahoma and Linda Lescher Judkins (Wayne) of Oklahoma.
Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gaynelle Lescher; son, Stephen Lescher; daughter, Valerie Lescher; sister, Lucille Lescher Gullick; brother, William A. Lescher and his mother and father.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 9, 2024 at Creekwood United Methodist Church, 261 Country Club Road, Allen, Texas 75002. Charles will be interred at Greenhill Cemetery in Muskogee, Oklahoma with his wife, son and other family on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Sunday evening, September 8, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.