"KCHS BENEFACTOR DIES IN SAPULPA"

The Keystone Crossroads Historical Society lost a good friend and benefactor Saturday, December 5, with the death in Sapulpa of Charley F. "Buzz" Bartlett.

While the Bartlett family is better known for it's connection with Sapulpa, their Mannford ties were also strong.

Charley Bartlett was born on a Pawnee County farm two miles north of Old Mannford on November 27, 1897. At age 7 he moved with his family into the town of Mannford, receiving his elementary education there.

His father, H.U. Bartlett, became a leading businessman. When the railroad was being built through town in 1902-1903, Bartlett furnished all the hay to feed the horses and mules on the grading. He also operated a small brick kiln on the farm and started out as a builder, branching out into real estate.

He was elected charter president of the Mannford State Bank when it was established in 1905, was a co-founder of the Mannford Mercantile store, and in 1905, editor of the town's first newspaper, The Mannford Enterprise.

A Methodist, he donated the land on which the First Methodist Church was built and was a leading contributor to its building program.

After moving to Sapulpa in 1912, he began and his six sons after him, continued ambitious programs both in that town's business community and as active civic leaders.

A retired executive of Bartlett Collins Company, Sapulpa, Charley Bartlett had a special place in his heart for O.U., its football team and the Sooner Schooner.

The latter, a scaled-down prairie wagon pulled by a perfectly matched team of ponies, was purchased by Mr. Bartlett and his brother, Dr. M.S. Bartlett, in 1964 to be O.U.'s mascots. Since then, it has made countless appearances not only in football games but also at school functions, parades and chartable events.

Mannford got to see the Sooner Schooner, with the children being treated to free rides, on several occasions, thanks to the kindness of the Bartlett's.

The last check Charley Bartlett wrote before his death, his minister related, was a check to send his beloved "little ponies" to the Orange Bowl. He also supported the O.U. Scholastic programs and many private charities.

Memories of the Bartlett family's happy years spent in Mannford resurfaced during a visit to the Old Mannford Reunion in 1980. When Charley Bartlett and his daughter, Mrs. Joe (Peggy) Sherwood, learned of the historical society's efforts to open a museum, they offered help. Through the H.U. and Eva Maud Bartlett Foundation, set up in the names of Charley's parents, the Bartletts have made extensive contributions to the Society.

At various times Charley Bartlett and Mrs. Sherwood attended Society-related functions in Mannford and the ties of friendship were lengthened.

Mr. Bartlett's health had been poor for some time but he was able to celebrate his 90th birthday this November 5, with three separate parties, Mrs. Sherwood said.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 8 in the First Presbyterian Church in Sapulpa, of which he was a member. His pastor, Dr. Thomas P. Eggabeen, presided. Burial was in South Heights cemetery, Sapulpa, under the direction of Smith Funeral Home in Sapulpa.

The eulogy address was given by Jim McReynolds, vice president and national sales coordinator for Bartlett Collins Company. McReynolds said that Charley's greatest loves were the mountains, especially those at his Colorado ranch home, and a good football game.

Pallbearers were Lester Wright, Lon T. Jackson, Jr., Sen. Ted V. Fisher, Lester Hendersen, Dwight Maulding and John Bingman.

Immediate survivors were his daughter, Mrs. Joe (Peggy) Shgerwood, and a brother, Dr. M.S. Bartlett, both of Sapulpa. Other survivors included grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
 

Complied and Submitted by Marti Graham ©1996-2013