Pocono Record
Stroudsburg PA
Feb 12, 2011

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Charles Leida departed this life Feb. 7, 2011, in Tulsa, Okla., at the age
of 87.

Charles was born April 17, 1923, in East Stroudsburg, the son of Samuel
Kinney Leida and Lillie Catherine (Andrew) Leida.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942. After training as an aircraft
mechanic, he served in Great Britain for the duration of the war. Having
been honorably discharged from the Eighth Army Air Force, Charles attended
Pennsylvania State University, earning a degree in engineering.

He married Viola Mable Kjar of Neola on Oct. 24, 1954. After serving as
a cartographer with the U.S. Geological Survey, he went on to work for
the Cement Gun Company of Allentown until it closed. In 1963, he joined
Refractory Construction Inc. of Tulsa, remaining with that company as an
estimating engineer until his retirement.

Charlie was a skilled mechanic, carpenter, furniture builder and wood 
carver. He was a member of Eastern Oklahoma Woodcarvers. He enjoyed growing 
beautiful flower and vegetable gardens and working on various projects
around his home, which gave him and Viola much joy.

Charlie was a Wood Badge-trained Boy Scout leader and Wood Badge 
instructor. He received the Silver Beaver Award from the Indian Nations
Council, Boy Scouts of America, in recognition of his distinguished service
to the Scouting movement. He was a member of First Lutheran Church and
served several terms on the church council.

Charlie and Viola enjoyed many good years of retirement together, during 
which they made close friends while traveling throughout North America in
their motor home. They especially cherished the friends they made on their
first caravan trip to Alaska.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister, Jean
Ace. He is survived by Viola, his beloved wife of 56 years; his two sons,
the Rev. Sava Stephen Leida and wife, Dr. Mary, of Sioux Falls, S.D.,
and Jeffrey Leida of Tulsa; his grandson, Dr. Hans Leida and wife, Sarah,
of Edina, Minn.; and his great-grandson, Levi Charles Leida.

His family and friends will remember Charlie as a wise, modest, warm and
generous man who faithfully fulfilled his responsibilities in life and was
always willing to help others.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, at First Lutheran
Church, 13th St. and Utica Ave., Tulsa, with burial following at Memorial
Park Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be directed to First Lutheran Church.

Moore's Southlawn Chapel
9350 E. 51st St., Oklahoma
www.moorefuneral.com

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