Charles Denman Rushmore

Charles Denman Rushmore, a longtime Payne County rancher and horseman, passed from this life on October 17, 2015, at his home with his wife and daughters by his side.

Charles was born at the home of his parents, C. M. and Ida M. (Johnson) Rushmore, rural Glencoe, on December 8, 1923, the youngest of eight children. He graduated from Glencoe High School in 1942 and enlisted in the air force in early 1943. He served as an aerial mechanic gunner in World War II involved in several battles and campaigns in Air Offensive Europe, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Ardennes Campaigns. He received decorations and citations for his service in the European Theater Operations, five battle participation stars, Good Conduct Medal, and Air Medal with Seven Oak Leaf Clusters and the Purple Heart. While flying over the Belgium/Germany line his plane was shot down and he was injured. The Germans captured Charles, and he remained a prisoner of war for over four months. He was honorably discharged from the service in September 1945.

In 1946 Charles purchased land and built the Perkins Y Community Sale (later known as the Perkins Y Livestock Auction), that he owned and operated for twenty-seven years. He auctioneered there and at several prominent livestock and farm auctions. On November 4, 1949, he married the love of his life Bertha May (Bert) Hesser who worked by his side at the sale barn and every endeavor that he undertook. To this union, two daughters were born, Cathey and Pam. Charles raised cattle and horses and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and cultivating pecan and fruit orchards. He loved visiting and had a story or joke for every occasion. Charles shared produce with neighbors, helped them in their time of need, and always did it with a smile.
Charles belonged to the Lost Creek United Methodist Church. Additionally he belonged to the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association. In 1965, Charles traveled as an agricultural ambassador to several South American countries representing the Oklahoma Livestock Auction Industry.

Charles is predeceased by his parents, brother and sisters, Lawrence Bud Rushmore, Dorothy Hunter, Florence Leith, Helen Hrabe, Gladys Leith, Marjorie Wells, and Aileen Shell. He is survived by his wife Bert of nearly sixty-six years; his daughters Cathey Wollenberg and Pam and her husband David Allen; grandchildren Kim Wollenberg, Jason Wollenberg, and Michelle and her husband Stoney Matheson. Charles is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Memorial services will be at Lost Creek United Methodist Church on October 22, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. under the direction of Palmer Marler Funeral Home with Max Rudd officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lost Creek United Methodist Church Kitchen Building Fund.