Charles Calvin Kingsley
Obituary
Charles Calvin “Chuck” Kingsley passed away peacefully on February 29th, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Chuck was born on July 11, 1926, to Frederick and Pearl Merrill Kingsley, the third of seven children, and was raised in Blackwell, Oklahoma. Charley, as he was known then, made a name for himself as a “Fighting Maroon” at Blackwell High School, winning back-to-back state wrestling championships. In 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy and served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres. He later attended Kansas State Teacher’s College, graduating with a BS in Education. He moved to Tulsa in 1951 and taught Industrial Arts at Central High School while working as a linotypist for the Tulsa World. In 1957, he married Pope Economou, the love of his life, and together they raised five children.
In 1968, with the blessings of his father-in-law (owner of Coney Island downtown), Chuck and family partners started the first Coney I-Lander restaurant. He went on to open seven more across the Tulsa metro area and ran the chain for the next 40 years, cementing it as a true “Tulsa Tradition.” In 2009, he was awarded a Tulsey “Legend” Award as part of the Tulsa Global Entrepreneurship Week for his long-term entrepreneurial work in the community.
Despite Chuck’s many professional accomplishments, what always mattered most to him was family. He was a teacher, a cheerleader, and a mentor who loved his wife and children beyond measure. His kids and grandkids will remember his many jokes and sayings, his enviable jitterbug skills, and his love for long car trips with his family. He was always bigger than life and celebrated his birthday with an annual backflip off the diving board well into his early 80s. If he had parting words, they would probably be “Good God, man, DO it!”
Chuck will be remembered for his amazing zest for life, his charismatic personality, and his true generosity of spirit. He never met a stranger, and he never turned his back on anyone in need.
He is survived by his wife, Pope; his sisters, Mildred and Elsie; his sister-in-law, Ann Kingsley; his children – Karen and Allen Litchfield, Evonne and Michael Stevenson, Michael Kingsley, Terri Kingsley, Patrick and Gina Kingsley, and Barbra and Alex Miranda; his grandchildren, Jessica and Kyle Cermak, Olivia and Bob Fissel, Heidi Stevenson and Brian Kidd, Meredith Kingsley and Ben Robinson, Kate Stevenson, Allison Kingsley, Luke Kingsley, Mark Kingsley, John Kingsley, and Claudia Miranda; his great-grandchildren, Lucy Cermak, Penny Lane Cermak, and Kingsley Kidd; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Simeon’s Employee Fund or Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund.
Trisagion 7PM Wednesday Ninde Brookside Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Liturgy 11:00 A.M. Thursday Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church interment Rose Hill Cemetery.
Events
Tributes & Memories
I was 15 when I began working at Coney Islander near TU. A year into my employment an entitled customer came in & ordered 24 coneys with cheese but said we only need to charge her for regular coneys saying "Chuck said so" I told her I couldn't do that unless Chuck himself said that. She was irate, took the coneys & didn't pay. About 30 minutes later Chuck is up there screaming in my face before he told me I was fired. I was astonished & pissed off because I did nothing wrong. I called my mom to come get me & when she got there Chuck was still there. I told my mom what happened & she went inside to speak with him. By the time the conversation was over I still had my job. It took an adult to tell him EXACTLY what I told him in order for him to listen. Not to mention the lady that called completely lied to him. She told him I refused her service which never happened. I busted my rear end at that place for $4.65 a hr in 2001. $2 bucks lower than the minimum wage. I quit when I was shorted on my check & Mike (chucks son) REFUSED to make it right. He said I was under age & shouldn't be working overtime anyways. I was baffled. I got my money a different way before I quit because I don't work for free. I never forgot that. Chuck your obituary is laughable. Everyone is great once they're dead.
Not Telling
Pope, it was a long Alzheimer's journey for the two of you, but I know the pain and sense of loss will continue. You've been in my prayers, and will remain so. Let's get together one of these days and share a coney. I've missed you. It seems impossible that it will be four years next month since Jack died and I dropped out of the group. I've often wondered how you and Charles were doing. My number is 918-978-8797 if you want to get together.
Joan Whitney
Patrick and family...very sorry to here about your dad. I just read it on news. I know how close you were to your dad. If I can do anything at all let me know. John
John Bonnewitz
He was a good man, I will always cherish the memories of the visits I had with him, he was a man you could trust and his work was as good gold, I learned a lot from him.
Darrell Bible
Barbra and family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Sending you much love. Hannah, Peter, Erik, and Joshua.
Hannah Williamson
Mrs. Kingsley, My mother was Joan Ninde, and she spoke fondly of your friendship many times, and your years together with Tulsa Opera were precious to her. I am so sorry for your loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. With Deepest Sympathy, Christine Draughon Wantland
Christine Draughon Wantland
Chuck will always remain my Knight in Shining Armor. I will never forget his wit, sense of humor, and the little ditties he would sing. It was my honor to have known him. My deepest condolences to Pope and the entire Kingsley family.
Peggy Mihos
Karen and family, I am deeply sorry to learn of your father's passing. He was a wonderful man and will be truly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace and God be with you and your family. Marlee Jacobs
Marlee Jacobs
Pope, word cannot express my sorrow I feel for you and your family. Chuck was truly a friend above all others. May he rest in peace and God be with you and your family. Love you, Howard
Howard York