Charles Herbert Lilly was born to Otis and Alice (Heckman) Lilly on August 6, 1935 in Salem, Massachusetts. He departed this life on January 24, 2023 in Norman, OK at the age of 87 years.

Charles has made his home in Norman since 1995, moving from Noble where he had resided for over 20 years. He attended school in Salem, graduating from Beverly High School in 1953. On October 10, 1970, he married the love of his life Carolyn Milburn in Oklahoma City. They were united in mariage for 52 years. Charles enlisted into the United States Airforce, he was a Technicial Sgt for 21 years until his retirement on November 1, 1974. He was awarded Airman of the year in 1968. He then began working at the Postal Training Center in Norman as an Instructor for over 20 years. Charles was a member of the Noble First Baptist Church. He enjoyed golfing, yardwork, tending his vegetable garden and bowling. He and Carolyn volunteered for 15 years with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children). In 2015 they were named State Advocates of the Year. He also volunteered at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History for over 20 years.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Cindy Slajer and daughter-in-law Terry Lilly. He is survived by his loving wife Carolyn of the home, (3) sons: Richard Lilly of Blanchard, John Lilly and wife Tara of Houston and Charlie Lilly and wife Tamara of Oklahoma City, daughter: Cheryl Milam of Oklahoma City, (10) grandchildren: Scott Slajer, Jeff Slajer, Chris Milam, Amanda Stern, Zachery Milam, Amy Flesher, Ashley Freeman, Jonathon Jackson, Savannah Sanders and Samuel Lilly, (2) great-grandchildren: Ellie Milam and Nicholas Slajer, among with many other relatives and friends.