Charles Tillmon Ford

Charles Tillmon Ford, 78, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Agent Mallory Martin Chapel in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas, under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

Charles was born on May 1, 1948, in Wister, Oklahoma, to Edith A. (Cherry) Ford and John Burt Ford. He married Rosemary (Moore) Ford on September 9, 2000, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. She preceded him in death on October 22, 2025.

Charles honorably served his country in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He served with the 4th Infantry Division from 1967 to 1969 and was stationed at Fort Polk, served in Vietnam, and later at Fort Sill.

Charles was a home builder throughout his life and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family. He cherished the time spent with his loved ones and had many friends. Following his retirement, he dedicated his time to helping veterans receive their VA benefits until his death.

Survivors include two daughters, Joni Shaw and Terry of Healdton, Oklahoma, and Tracie Nichols and Matt of Knoxville, Arkansas; six grandchildren, Tyler Shaw and Jordan of Healdton, Oklahoma, Trey Shaw of Healdton, Oklahoma, Shawn Nichols and Tori of Knoxville, Arkansas, Victoria Nichols of Knoxville, Arkansas, Kristin Fullbright of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and Matt Fullbright of Norman, Oklahoma; seven great-grandchildren, Axel, Dawson, Harper, Atlas, Tanner, Baylor, and Taytum; one sister, Bonnie Brown of Poteau, Oklahoma; one brother, Dennis Ford of Wister, Oklahoma; one stepdaughter, Leilani Fullbright and Mike of Sallisaw, Oklahoma; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; three sisters, Lily B. Fitzpatrick, Betty Manhook, and Faye Rockman; six brothers, Denver, Don Leon, Jerry A., Kenneth, David, and Sam Ford; and one grandson, Nicholas Coffron.

Active pallbearers will be A.J. Henshaw, Dr. Bob Nowlin, Rick Kerr, Aaron Brown, Clendon Brown, and John Haynes.

Honorary pallbearers will be Max and the United States Army Vietnam Veterans.

Viewing will be from Noon until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, where the family will greet friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.