Charles Lee “Charlie” Hamit, 79, of Nowata, OK passed from this world to his heavenly home on February 20, 2024, after a battle with cancer.
Charlie was born on June 5, 1944, to Marion and Elda (Elliott) Hamit, in Hays, KS. He graduated from Stockton Senior High School, then served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Conflict.
He met his beloved wife, Barbara, in Washington, D.C. They married in Indianapolis, IN in 1968. He finished his bachelor’s degree at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL before earning his law degree from the University of Tulsa, in Tulsa, OK. Charles practiced law in Jenks and Sapulpa, OK for a decade, in Nowata, OK for the past 25 years, and was a municipal judge in South Coffeyville, OK.
Charles was wise and thoughtful, a man of principle relentlessly dedicated to his passion of justice in the practice of law and service to his community. Spiritually, he was fervent in his belief in the redeeming and healing power of Jesus Christ, and actively involved in healing prayer ministry at Living Word Family Church in Nowata, OK and Grace Community Church in Bartlesville, OK. Professionally, he was proud to serve on the Board of Grand Mental Health for 20 years. He dedicated time to wresting justice from an unforgiving system for those who needed a second chance. His impact was life-changing for many blessed to have his strong, steady work on their behalf.
Charlie didn't shy away from hard truths of God's word and loved to guide others to do the same. He taught Sunday School, was involved in prison ministry, and was a mentor and encouragement to many people along the way. Charlie loved reading, music – including jazz and bagpipes – and spending time with his family. He was tremendously proud of his children and grandchildren.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Elda, and nephew, Judd Hamit. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Nowata, OK; children Carlie (Brian) Sturgeon and Joshua (Patricia) Hamit; grandchildren Elliot, Ellie, and Penny; brothers Dick (Lila) Hamit and Don (Terry) Hamit; cousins Margaret Elliott, Sue Regier, Nancy Hoffman, and Kristy Utchell, as well as many nieces and nephews, dear friends, and professional associates.
Charles Hamit was a man who fought for Mercy because Mercy found him as a young man and carried him though his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Heifer International, the YWCA Tulsa https://givebutter.com/hoknO7 , or a ministry of your choice in honor of Charles.