Charles “Charlie” Wendell Winnett, Sr., 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022 in Denison, Texas. He was born June 24, 1935, in Achille, Okla. to Hoyt and Ruth Winnett.
Charles grew up farming and ranching alongside his dad. He graduated from Achille High School in 1954 and began working in the oil fields. In 1958, he was drafted into the Army and served in the 2nd Armored Division in Germany where he eventually made the rifle team. In the early ’60s, he returned to the states and was stationed at Fort Polk, La., where he continued to travel the country shooting rifle matches. In 1960, he married Imogene Braudrick with whom he had three children: Chuck, Doug, and Jerri.
He left the army in 1962 and opened his first leather shop in the back of his dad’s feed store. Throughout this time, the family had an outdoor rodeo arena and provided livestock for rodeos in Oklahoma and Texas. In 1969, the family built an indoor arena east of Colbert and Charles built his first saddle shop. Rodeo, leather, and saddle repair are how he made his living. In the early ’90s, he began cattle ranching with his Uncle Bill Winnett. He inherited the ranch after Uncle Bill passed away and continued to operate it until his death. In 1996, he met Deborah Capehart Head, who became his constant companion of 26 years.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Melvis Winnett and niece, Darla Winnett.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Capehart Head; his son, Chuck Winnett and wife Erainna, his son Doug Winnett, and his daughter, Jerri Winnett; his stepson, James Head and stepdaughter, Jacque Graham; his grandchildren: Ashley Winnett Stowers, Amber Winnett, Jase Head, Lynzi Head, Kayla King, Courtney Clark, Hayden Graham, Gavin and Grant Graham and two great-grandchildren, Karson King and Kynslee Lawrence.
A memorial service for Charles was held at Cunningham Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 8, 2022.