Cpl. Charles York, an Oklahoma native who served in two branches of the armed forces, was buried Tuesday at Fort Sill National Cemetery.
York passed away with no known family members to make his arrangements or attend his memorial service. Officials with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Fort Sill National Cemetery put out a public call for area residents to attend York’s service so he would not be laid to rest alone. The response was overwhelming.
Hundreds of attendees turned out to support the veteran, producing the largest group to ever attend an unaccompanied veteran at Fort Sill National Cemetery.
Cpl. Charles York
York grew up in Wewoka and served in both the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Navy, with two tours in Vietnam, said Marilyn Woods, recreation director and programs administrator for the Lawton/Ft. Sill Veterans Center. After he was discharged from the Navy, he went to school and became a teacher.
He taught math at Broken Arrow High School for nine years before resigning to focus on his family.
He was a resident of the veterans center for 17 years, Woods said.
“He is deeply missed by the residents and staff of the facility,” she said in an email.
York enjoyed spending time outdoors, visiting the casino, watching sports, reading and relaxing.