Monday, July 25th, 1932 - Saturday, August 12th, 2023
Funeral services for Charles “Jake” Rathbun, 91, Enid, will be 10:00 am, Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Crosspoint Church, with Reverend Asher Griffin officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the United States Navy will be in Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory.
Charles Jacob “Jake” Rathbun was born on July 25, 1932, in Arkansas City, KS, the son of Ottie David Rathbun and Edna Alice (Stolp) Rathbun. He graduated from Winfield High School in 1950. After graduation, Jake attended Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, graduating in 1955. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. In 1955 he was commissioned as an Ensign and was a line officer on the USS St. Paul CA-73, also serving under the Admiral of the 7th Fleet at the end of the Korean War. He was always extremely proud of his Naval career and service to his country.
After leaving active duty, he married Carolyn Reynolds of Enid, OK on November 29, 1957. After working for The Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Corporation, they returned to Enid in 1964 where he began his career as a businessman, first purchasing Enid News and Stationery and later Lynn’s Hallmark. He served on the Main Street Board and Sunset Plaza Board for many years.
In 1987 he met Ann Clark and they were married in 1992. Together they enjoyed traveling, a semi-retired life, their extended families, and just going for drives.
Jake is survived by his wife Ann; daughter Phara (Richard) Queen and her children Abbey (Christopher) Williams and Riley Allen; Son Commander David (Nori) Rathbun, NOAA retired. Great-grandchildren, Luca Williams, and Nico Williams. His extended family includes stepdaughter Karen (David) Duncan and their daughters Emily, Whitney, and Kelsey; stepson Tim (Donna) Clark and their sons Scott and Chris, and daughter Lindsay; stepdaughter Carol (Scott) Clemens and their sons McLain and Sam. Jake is preceded in death by his parents, Ottie and Edna Rathbun; and sister, Phara Holdredge.
Memorial contributions in Jake’s name may be made to the charity of choice with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodian of the funds.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.LadusauEvans.com. Ladusau-Evans has been serving the families of the Enid Community and surrounding areas for over 40 years with compassionate service and dedication. They provide families with an open door policy. Feel free to contact them 24 hours a day. Visitation Hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm daily, 2800 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-1400.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
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