Charles Lee “Charlie” Hamit

Charles Lee “Charlie” Hamit, 79, of Nowata, Okla., passed from this world to his heavenly home on February 20, 2024, after a battle with cancer.

He was born on June 5, 1944, to Marion and Elda (Elliott) Hamit in Hays. He graduated from Stockton Senior High School, then served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Conflict.

He met his beloved wife, Barbara, in Washington, D.C. They married in Indianapolis, Ind., in 1968. He finished his bachelor’s degree at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill., before earning his law degree from the University of Tulsa in Tulsa, Okla. Charles practiced law in Jenks and Sapulpa, Okla., for a decade, in Nowata, Okla., for the past 25 years, and was a municipal judge in South Coffeyville, Okla.

Charles was wise, thoughtful, a man of principle relentlessly dedicated to his passion for justice in law and service to his community. Spiritually, he was fervent in his belief in the redeeming and healing power of Jesus Christ and actively involved in healing prayer ministry at Living Word Family Church in Nowata, Okla., and Grace Community Church in Bartlesville, Okla. Professionally, he was proud to serve on the Board of Grand Mental Health for 20 years. He was passionate about missions, having done a short-term trip to Guatemala, and supported missions in China, Niger, Nigeria, and Guatemala. His most important mission was to teach his children to be persistent, to become all they were meant to be, to follow the truth, and to depend on God.

Charlie didn't shy away from the hard truths of God's word and loved to guide others to do the same. He taught Sunday School, was involved in prison ministry, and was a mentor and encouragement to many people along the way. Charlie loved reading, music—including jazz and bagpipes—and spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. He was known for his intelligence, sense of humor, and curiosity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Elda; and nephew, Judd Hamit. 

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Nowata, Okla.; children Carlie (Brian) Sturgeon and Joshua (Patricia) Hamit; grandchildren Elliott, Ellie, and Penny; brothers Dick (Lila) Hamit of Overbrook and Don (Terry) Hamit of Stockton; cousins Margaret Elliott, Sue Regier, Nancy Huffman, and Kristy Utchell; as well as many nieces and nephews, dear friends, and professional associates.

Charles Hamit was a man who fought for Mercy and Healing because they found him as a young man and carried him though his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Heifer International, the YWCA https://givebutter.com/hoknO7 or a ministry of your choice in honor of Charles.

Visitation at Stumpff Funeral Home, Nowata 620 E Cherokee, Nowata, OK 74048, on Friday, March 1. A Come and Go from 9:00 to 5:00, and family will receive guests from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at Grace Community Church, 1500 SE Kings Drive, Bartlesville, OK 74006 on Saturday, March 2, at 11:00 a.m.