Charles Victor Secrest

Charles Victor Secrest was born on December 10, 1919 in Sciotoville, OH to Jesse and Jacintha (Womack) Secrest. Charles passed from this life on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at the age of 95.

He served honorably in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was a longtime minster for the Church of the Christian Crusade until his retirement.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Frances Hammond and a brother, Jim Secrest.

He is survived by his wife, Maxine of the home; a son, Charles Secrest of Tulsa; daughters, Molly Evans and Mandy Kirk both of Tulsa, Suzie Davis of Anderson, IN and Dottie Ruby of Fremont, IN; a sister, Betty Hargis; sister-in-law, Helyn Secrest; 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild.

Matthew 20:26….whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. Charles Secrest (Dad) moved on from this world but he certainly grasped the joy of being a servant of Jesus and a servant to the people. He never really looked to be great. Certainly not in the vain thought of the world. He lived his life as an example to his family, friends and those he came into contact with. Dad was fun, adventurous and goofy. When he was younger I am certain he was that ornery boy that stirred up some trouble, laughed at the inappropriate time but when needed-everyone knew they could count on him to serve. The type of guy you were glad to call your friend. He enjoyed life and the people that make a life. He grew up in a home filled with Christian love and unique personalities.

His time in the Navy brought life changes that included a lasting appreciation for the efforts and dedication of those who served our country during WWII and beyond. His time in the military brought about the opportunity to present God’s word to fellow crewmen out of necessity. The ship that he sailed on fought hard and found itself in the midst of Iwo Jima. That ship and its crew found itself on the losing end of a torpedo but as survivors swam to shore they saw that it was not in vain as the United States Marines captured the island from the Japanese Imperial Army. Dad would see the flag of the United States go up on Iwo Jima and become a lasting memory of success. He served his country.

Dad went into the ministry and attended Cincinnati Bible College. He oversaw churches in Kentucky and Indiana before coming to Tulsa, Oklahoma to be Associate Pastor with Christian Crusade. Serving was rewarding as he had the opportunity to share Gods word and love with people all over the world. He visited 72 countries and toured the Holy Land with fellow believers 63 times. He spoke in 48 of 50 states. Dad had opportunity to dine with those of “importance” and battle with those who wanted to do evil and take prayer out of schools. Dad wasn’t complex with his words—he was effective. His sincerity was genuine and his love for Jesus and knowing a peace that passes all understanding was contagious to those he served. Dad loved the calling he had to serve the Lord.

When Dad retired from the business side of the ministry we worried about what he would do. Of course he served. Dad started volunteering for Meals on Wheels, Project Get Together, Elder Care, etc. He was to serve on their boards. He embraced new adventures with people who were in need. Dad needed to serve and it was obvious that people in the community needed him to serve. He had fun serving in a different way than the typical ministry he had been involved with for so long. As he slowed down he worked with Nindes Funeral Home. He was asked to assist with questions but he did much more as families came into see their loved ones. Many times looking for answers to life questions--Dad was there with a smile, tissues, a hug and a conversation. He served.

Maybe his most accomplished duty of serving was doing so for his family. At least the selfish side of me would say so. Dad was very proud of his family. At times it was tough not to be embarrassed by this. Dad was real and our family was blessed to see the same person in public as he was in the home. He would teach us many things with his words and more often with God’s word. Dad would teach us by example. Not by being perfect or fake…just being Dad. He loved strongly, laughed often, teared up on occasion, got angry rarely. He was a communicator who enjoyed people. Always telling us to “show ourselves friendly”…and this came after we would see him artistically take a hello with a stranger into a seemingly meaningful conversation… a conversation that told that person I care about you and I think we all knew that was the love of God working through Dad. He served us well as a family. We were very blessed to have this man in our lives.

Charles Secrest served his country, his community, his family and his God. So I’ll go ahead and say he was great among us by being a servant.

On behalf of his family…Charles J. Secrest