Ozan Children Education Fund

In Honor of Charles Ozan

On February 8, 2021, at age 48, Charles Ozan was diagnosed with both covid-19 and what turned out to be an aggressive glioblastoma brain tumor. As soon as the severity of the tumor was clear, he underwent brain surgery; shortly thereafter, he developed covid pneumonia, which was too much for his weakening body. He departed this life too soon, on March 5.

A helper by nature, Charles was more than one person’s go-to. He never asked for anything in return, and in fact, often made his act of kindness seem matter-of-fact, as if he couldn’t imagine not helping if he were in the position to be able to: “it’s just what people do.”

From traversing Oklahoma City in October 2020, chainsaw in tow, clearing sometimes dangerously dangling branches from friends’ homes and the grounds of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, to FaceTiming with a friend who called in fear/desperation when her cat came trotting in the house with a snake, Charles could be counted on. In fact, within a week of the double diagnoses, when the brutally cold snowstorm hit much of the country, including Oklahoma City, Charles was helping others tackle plumbing issues.

As tough and capable as Charles was, he was also known for being a bit of a softie, genuine and authentic. He’d lend an ear, offer a shoulder to cry on, and give a great big bear hug. Oh, and perhaps a tip about Jiu Jitsu or encouragement to take that up: he definitely adored his sparring buddies.

He served his community in many ways, including being on the Vestry of St. Paul’s and serving on the board of The Winds House.

While supporting his community and his friends, he was absolutely devoted to the love of his life, wife and partner Ashley, since meeting her in college in 1994, and was a rock for his children, 14-year-old Amelia, 12-year-old Charlotte, and 6-year-old George.

This page has been set up because many people have been asking if they can help, and a very practical way to help would be to help pay for educational expenses for his kids.

Charles lived his life to the fullest and will be missed by many.


If you would like to donate in a different way (e.g., regular US mail), please private message Mary Schneeberger.

Thank you so much, everyone, for such generous support.