Erich Charles

Erich H. Charles, age 68, of Pryor, passed away on February 13, 2026, in Tulsa. He was born June 19, 1957, in Germany to LeRoy Charles and Sigrid Charles. Erich spent most of his working life proudly serving the community as a street sweeper for the City of Killeen. He believed in honest work and showing up every day—values that carried through every part of his life. In his free time, Erich enjoyed gardening, reading, collecting coins, and relaxing in his backyard by the firepit with an occasional cold beer. Most of all, he cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren, who brought him his greatest joy.

He is survived by his wife, Tracie Smallwood of the home; children, Eric James Charles, Kathrine L. Smallwood Willhite, and Joseph Erik Shelton; mother, Sigrid Charles; brother, Dieter Charles; and his grandchildren, Alexis Willhite, Arianna Willhite, Aeris Shelton, Dexter Shelton, Lincoln Charles, and Emerson Charles. He was preceded in death by his father, LeRoy Charles, and his brother, Manfred K. Charles.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, in the Adair Cemetery in Adair, Oklahoma. To leave a message for Erich’s family, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service.