Charles Hogshead's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Charles Hogshead on September 18, 2025 in Tulsa Oklahoma.
Charles was born August 13, 1949 to Dr. Ralph Hogshead, Jr. and Ruth Cheney Hogshead in Morganton, North Carolina. His parents provided he and his sister, Judy, a home full of happiness, love, and fun in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. His favorite place was the rustic mountain cabin where the family and extended family spent summers and vacations.
Charles’ grandfather, father, aunt, and uncle were all medical doctors. He would often joke he ended the line because of an aversion to all things medical particularly needles.
Charles graduated from Morganton High School in 1967. Charles attended Duke University and graduated in 1971 with a major in literature. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, played percussion in the band, and was in the Duke Chapel Choir. He was a lifelong Duke basketball fan and rarely missed watching a game. He had his whole family following Duke basketball and one of his favorite gifts was a piece of Cameron Indoor Stadium he received when they replaced the floor.
He then went on to study at the University of Tulsa College of Law where he graduated in 1974. He received many honors including Tulsa Law Review and The Order of the Curule Chair for highest academic achievement
Following his parents’ example of combining hard work and community service, Charles began work at Legal Services of Eastern Oklahoma where He spent 18 years in various positions. He ultimately served as Managing Attorney of eleven counties of eastern Oklahoma. He loved the practice of law including research and trial work. He liked to think he was making a difference in people’s lives. He thoroughly enjoyed his co-workers and staff at Legal Services. Many of them became lifelong friends.
Legal Services also gave him the opportunity to work with different agencies in Tulsa and throughout Eastern Oklahoma such as The Parent Child Center, United Way, Project Get Together, the Tulsa County Bar Association, the Oklahoma Bar Association, The University of Tulsa College of Law Alumni Association to name just a few. He also belonged to the Hudson-Hall-Wheaton Inns of Court.
Charles was appointed as a Special District Judge for Tulsa County State of Oklahoma in December , 1998. His judicial assignments were mainly in the civil area of the law. His longest assignment was in the Small Claims Court. He always felt grateful to judicial colleagues and his staff who did outstanding work in sometimes difficult but always interesting situations. He considered his judicial appointment a very great honor and he was pleased to serve as a Judge for 16 years .
Charles developed an expertise in computers, web design and law office computer networking where he consulted and trained in law office technology . He designed programs and websites that were utilized by law offices throughout Oklahoma.
Charles and his wife Jeanine met while they were both working at Legal Services. Much to the surprise of everyone (probably including Charles himself) and owing to some missing back stairs …. Charles and Jeanine were married May 13, 1995 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. They were blessed to spend 30 years together. One of their favorite things in what they titled their “golden years” ……..traveling together just two adults and two golden retrievers in a van looking for the next adventure and the next dog park.
Charles was a step parent to Jeanine’s two children Jeremy and Rebecca Jones. He faithfully attended their activities and especially enjoyed both of them in the Broken Arrow High School band.
Charles will be greatly missed by his wife, Jeanine Jones Hogshead, his beloved stepson Jeremy Jones, Jeremy‘s wife Melodie and the “recent” additions who stole Papa C’s heart Everley and Wyatt Jones. He is also survived by a sister Judith Hogshead Jordan and her husband Paul of North Carolina.
Charles was proceeded in death by his father. Ralph Hogshead Jr. , by his mother Ruth Cheney Hogshead, and by his mother-in-law, Irma Burton.
The St. Francis fifth floor contingent of the Intensive Care Unit absolutely saved Charles’ life in 2021 when he showed up in severe critical condition. We are so grateful for their work because we got four more years and it enabled him to see his two grandchildren born. We are also grateful to Cura Hospice for enabling him to be home until the last month of his life. Sadly Charles lost his battle with a very rare cancer amid several other health challenges.
A private cremation burial was held earlier in Morganton, North Carolina.
No other service is planned at this time.
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