Charlie Balthrop

Charles Edward Balthrop of Oklahoma City, OK went to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 5, 2020, at the age of 82 following a two-week fight for his life with the COVID-19 virus.
“Charlie”, as most people knew him, was born July 15, 1938, in Oklahoma City, OK at the Home of Redeeming Love to a young unwed mother. She was unable to care for him, so lovingly gave him up for adoption. At the age of 3 weeks, he was adopted by Oval & Winnie Balthrop who taught him about Jesus and raised him in a very loving Christian home. He attended Trinity Baptist Church where the foundation of his faith was formed and where he accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of nine.
At the age of 16, Charlie went to work for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company where he worked for 30 years followed by 5 years with AT&T. He was an Account Executive responsible for customers that included the State of Oklahoma, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Military, and the Federal government. These were the largest accounts served by Southwestern Bell and AT&T. He was recognized numerous times as their top salesman.
After high school, Charlie took a short break from Southwestern Bell to enlist in the U.S. Army where he served for three years in the Army Security Agency, attaining the rank of Specialist E-4. Two of those years were spent in Herzogenaurach, Germany on Herzo Base.
In 1970, he met, fell in love with, and married the love of his life, Janie C. Jensen. He always said that “she” was the best sale he ever made! They were married on December 30, 1970. This December would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. Together they had two sons, Chad and Chris Balthrop. 
In 1989, after serving 35 years, he retired from AT&T and became an independent telecommunications consultant for a number of companies. He retired a second time at the age of 76 from the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management where he worked as a Hazard Mitigation Planner. During retirement, as a hobby, he received and refurbished used computers. He donated more than 2000 computers in a single year to people who were unable to purchase one on their own.
Between 2005 and 2006, he and his son, Chris, built Chris’ house from the ground up on ten acres near Purcell. He was proud of the work they did and grateful for this special time they were able to spend together.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Moore, Oklahoma. He was passionate about giving his family a legacy of faith and led by example. In his nearly 50 years with the church, at various times he served as a Director of Preschool Sunday School, Adult Sunday School Class Director and Teacher, sang in the Celebration Choir, chaperoned Student Ministry mission trips and events, was a member of the Personnel Team, and the lead Audio Engineer for the church.
Charlie loved to travel. While in the military he saw much of Europe. With his family, he toured Israel. For his eightieth birthday, he took his family to the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C. He enjoyed trips with the kids and grandkids. They went to Disney World together every time a new grandchild was born. In 2010, he bought his first 5th wheel travel trailer and enjoyed many camping trips with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Janie; son, Chad Balthrop, and wife, Londa, of Owasso, OK; son, Chris Balthrop of Purcell, OK; grandchildren, Jaiden, Caedmon, Ethan, and Dawson; daughter, Sandie Gater; daughter, Cheryl Moore, and a host of family and friends.
Charlie, you were the best. You gave your all. You finished your race. You were our rock. We are so going to miss you. Our hearts are broken but we rejoice in the fact that now you can stand straight, walk without assistance, have no pain, your eyesight has been restored, and we will see you again someday.