Obituary for Charles Barraclough

Charles S. Barraclough

September 21, 1986 – September 8, 2018

Charles S. Barraclough died in Ponca City on the morning of Saturday, September 8, 2018. A funeral ceremony will be held at the First Baptist Church in Ponca City on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Charles’ family will be available to greet friends at Trout Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Charles was born to his parents, Stanley and Mary Jane Barraclough 31 years ago on September 21, 1986. Coming from a “musical” family background, Charles showed a love and interest in music from an early age. He joined “Miss Suzi’s Singing School” at the age of 3 and, by the time he was 4, he was also a member of the children’s choir at the local First Baptist Church. As he grew, Charles fostered his love of music through auditioning and winning a position in Cathy Byard’s “Ponca City Children’s Choir.” He was soon found performing on the local Ponca Playhouse stage and winning piano competitions through the Mozart Music Club’s festivals. He further expanded his music studies to include the violin, string bass, and oboe through classes offered in the Ponca City Public Schools.
He distinguished himself through his participation in Ponca City’s Gifted and Talented programs and Great Expectations workshops. But, it was his love of singing and theater that was to capture his heart. In high school, he was recognized as a 3-time member of the All-State Choir and was also selected to attend the Quartz Mountain Summer Institute for those same years.

He was selected to perform in the Baptist All-State Youth Choir and toured with this group. Through this experience, he realized he had an interest in public speaking and soon was voted into several positions in the Ponca City High School’s Student Council and the Kiwanis “Key Club”, even winning a scholarship from the last group.

Being awarded a vocal scholarship from the Ponca City Music Club helped launch his studies at Oklahoma State University. While living in Stillwater, he served as a student soloist with the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and the First Christian Church, as well as becoming a member of the Stillwater Chamber Singers. He thoroughly enjoyed his position as Assistant Director of the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar. His passion for non-profit management led him to a role working in database management with the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum of Oklahoma City. While living in Oklahoma City, he also became a member of the choir at All Souls Episcopal Church.

Charles was known for his desire to help others and he was often found working with groups such as Stillwater’s Canterbury Center and performing with the choir of the Choral Arts Society of Northern Oklahoma (CASONO). Over the years, Charles enjoyed growing prize-winning iris with his grandmother, reading, gourmet cooking, photography, and furthering his love of music through many outlets.

Charles was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jesse and Nettie Beal of Ponca City and Carl and Jeane Barraclough of Roeland Park, KS and his aunt, Beth Barraclough of Haltom City, TX.

He is survived by his parents, Stanley and Mary Jane Barraclough of Ponca City, his brother, James and wife Jessica of Topeka, KS, niece, Amelia Barraclough of Topeka, KS, his uncle, John Barraclough of Haltom City, TX, and a host of cousins and friends.

Charles Barraclough was loved by many and his smile, wit, and talents will be greatly missed. Many of his friends have said that he was one of the kindest, most gentle people that they have ever known.

Because of Charles’ passion for music and the church, please consider a memorial donation in lieu of flowers to the Charles Barraclough Memorial Choral Scholarship fund established at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 516 W. 3rd Ave., Stillwater, OK 74074. Donations will be used to aide students and encourage them to participate in the adult choir program.

Source: Trout Funeral Home