Charles Byron Kietzman, 94, passed away January 23, 2026, in Oklahoma City, OK. He was born February 23, 1931, in Iola, KS to Charles E. and Lucille (Delamater) Kietzman. He grew up in Dewey, OK and graduated from Dewey High School in 1948. After graduation, Charles went on to attend Coffeyville Jr. College in Coffeyville, KS. It was there that he met the love of his life, Katherine Casey.

In 1950, Charles enrolled at the University of Kansas but was unable to complete his first semester there due to the Korean War. In December of that year, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and spent the next three years at Randolph AFB in San Antonio, TX. He married Katherine on September 2, 1951, and they welcomed their first child, Debra, in 1953. Upon being released from active duty, Charles was able to complete his Bachelor's degree in Industrial Management and Engineering at Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma State University), graduating in 1956. He was also commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. That same year, Jacqueline was added to the family, and a son, Charles II, came along in 1959.

By this time, the family had relocated to Tulsa, OK where Charles worked as Project Engineer and Safety Director for Dewey Portland Cement Company. In 1962, he left Dewey Portland to pursue an opportunity at North American Aviation Company in Tulsa as Safety Engineer. At that time, North American was manufacturing numerous parts for the Apollo space program. In 1970 when the Apollo program started winding down, Charles accepted the position of Safety Engineer at the FAA Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City, and the family joined him the following spring when the school year ended.

After 22 years of service, Charles retired from FAA. He and Katherine wanted to live in a smaller community during their later years, and they chose Claremore, OK, as their home. They lived there for 20 years before returning to Oklahoma City where they enjoyed being residents of Concordia Life Plan Community.

Charles was very much a family man, supporting and encouraging each of his children in their chosen activities. He enjoyed woodworking, reading, and working around the house and yard. He was a devoted Christian who faithfully read his Bible every day. Over the years, Charles was a member of many organizations, including Civil Air Patrol, OSU Alumni Association, Rogers County Historical Society, Rogers County Woodworker's Club, Friends of the Library, and Rotary Club International. Always a proud veteran, he retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserves at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 69 years, Katherine; and younger brother, Robert "Bob" Kietzman.

He is survived by his children, Debi (Mike) Ports, Jacque (Lawrence) Perkins and Chuck (Cindy) Kietzman; grandchildren, Kari (Tom) Martinez, Kyle Ports, Kristin (Matt) Ulasien, Ashley (David) Ragsdale, Casey (Angie) Perkins, and Kelli Kietzman; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Riley, Jordyn, Larkyn, Nola, Kassidy, Lena, Rachel, Claire, Darcy, Kennedy, Conner, William, Isla and Dominic; and great-great-grandchildren, Niko and Milo.

The family would like to thank the staff at Concordia as well as the team from Valir Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care.

Viewing at Mercer-Adams will be held on Friday, 9am-8pm with family present from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be at 10:00am on Saturday, January 31, at Mercer-Adams Chapel with interment following in Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed on this obituary page.

Memorial donations in Charles' memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org)

or Rotary International (www.rotary.org).