Charles Littlejohn

Charles Ray Littlejohn, loving husband and father, was born February 14, 1924, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Son of the late Rev. William Otis Littlejohn and Hollie Mae (Howard) Littlejohn. He departed this life on August 15, 2022, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, at the age of 98 years, 6 months, and 1 day.

Charles made his profession of faith at the age of 11. He was a member and retired Deacon of the First Baptist Church in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Formerly, he was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he served as a Deacon, B.T.U. Director, and Church Treasurer.

He was a veteran of World War II, who proudly served in the Merchant Marines, in the Pacific Theater of War from 1942-1947, and was honorably discharged at the end of his service.

He entered the Masonry on November 26, 1948. He was a former member and Past Master of Paul M. Schneidau Masonic Lodge No. 391, F. & A.M., New Orleans; a current member of the Metairie Lodge No. 444, Metairie, Louisiana; 32ND degree Mason of the Scottish Rite Lodge, New Orleans, a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Tulsa; a member of the Jerusalem Temple A.A.O.N.M.S., of New Orleans; a former member of the Clown Unit of the Shriners (he was always eager to dress up as a clown and ride in the Shriner parades); a member of the Grotto of New Orleans; a former member of Metairie Ridge Chapter No. 169, Order of the Eastern Star, Metairie, Louisiana; a member of the Tahlequah Eastern Star Chapter No. 148 and a life member of the Royal Arch Chapter of Arkansas, Huntsville, No. 154. In 2018, he received recognition for his 70 years in Masonry. He has been a Mason 74 years.

Charles enjoyed life and loved his family. He married Ila Moss on August 10, 1952. They would spend the next 70 years together living life to the fullest.

He was an entrepreneur involved in real estate and other investments, most of his life. He and his wife owned and operated the Vieux Carre Private Elementary School and Day Care Center in New Orleans, for 18 years.

His love to restore old buildings began in his hometown of New Orleans. He restored the Claiborne Plantation Foreman's Living Quarters (circa 1700); the Dr. Chetter home (circa 1920) both in New Orleans, and the Railroad President's Home in DeFuniak Springs, FL (built in 1900). He and his wife also owned, restored, and operated the Historic Palace Hotel, Bath House and Restaurant in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. He was appointed Chairman of the Eureka Springs Bi-Centennial Commission. He was a partner in the DeSoto Hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas, before moving to Tahlequah, Oklahoma. While in Tahlequah, he invested successfully in real estate, purchasing Fox Mobile Home Estates and other rental properties.

Charles was also a certified chef and enjoyed preparing New Orleans cuisine. He was an international traveler. He enjoyed antiquing, all forms of art (especially Native American paintings), sculptures, architecture, and ceramics. He and his wife owned their own kiln and designed and created their own ceramics and pottery. He was a history buff and an admirer of vintage cars. He was also a master carpenter, a true "Jack of all trades." Charles touched many lives over the years and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. William Otis Littlejohn and Hollie Mae (Howard) Littlejohn; his brother William Otis Littlejohn II, and his sisters Elizabeth Littlejohn and Betty Jane Whipple.

He is survived by a loving family which includes his wife of over 70 years, Ila Littlejohn of the home; his children Elizabeth Tevebaugh and husband Charles of Springdale, AR, Jennifer Walker of Fayetteville, AR, Charles R. Littlejohn II of Euless, TX, and Timothy Littlejohn of Tahlequah; his brother Francis Littlejohn and wife Shirley of New Orleans, LA, his grandchildren Megan Ellis, Chad Ellis, Luke Littlejohn, Levi Littlejohn, Sarah Littlejohn, Emma Littlejohn, step-grandchildren Justin Murray, Jason Murray, Andrew Murray and Colin Murray; one great-grandchild, Jaxon James Littlejohn, and several nieces, nephews, friends, and other relatives also survive him.

Donations in Charles' name may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or the Gideons International.