Charles W. Harris: Devoted to Pawhuska's Aviation Legacy
Charles W. Harris — September 30, 1927–December 9, 2017
Charles W. “Charlie” Harris was an aviator, businessman, historian, author, collector, and tireless ambassador for aviation. Born in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, in 1927, his lifelong passion for flight began at an early age. Influenced by his father’s ownership and enjoyment of personal aircraft, Charlie learned to fly at just 16 years old—beginning a lifelong devotion to aviation that would ultimately make him a respected and influential figure in the national flying community.
After graduating from Pawhuska High School in 1945, Charlie enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 and served aboard the USS Vicksburg, USS Springfield, and USS Astoria. Following his honorable discharge, he enrolled at the University of Tulsa, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1950.
Charlie went on to build a successful business career, helping develop Transportation Leasing Company into one of the Southwest’s largest independent vehicle and aircraft financing, leasing, and rental organizations. Throughout his professional career, aviation remained the defining passion of his life.
For decades, Charlie played a leading role in preserving, promoting, and celebrating general aviation and America’s flying heritage. He served for 30 years as chairman of the Tulsa Regional Fly-In and was a co-founder and chairman of the National Biplane Association from 1986 until its conclusion in 2009. His nationally recognized collection of pristine antique aircraft reflected his commitment to preserving aviation history, while his two world-class Pitts Special aerobatic aircraft allowed him to share the excitement of flight through regional exhibitions.
A respected aviation historian and author, Charlie wrote extensively about World War II aviation and naval history. His work appeared in aviation publications and newsletters, and for more than 30 years he served as editor of a nationally distributed monthly newsletter for EAA Vintage Aircraft Association Chapter 10 in Tulsa.
Charlie’s service to the Vintage Aircraft Association included leadership roles as National Director, Treasurer, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Chairman of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee, and Director Emeritus. In recognition of his lifelong contributions to the preservation and advancement of vintage aviation, Charles W. Harris was inducted into the Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame.
Following his passing in 2017, the Charles W. Harris Foundation continued his legacy of aviation advocacy and investment. The Foundation has provided significant financial support for the improvement and expansion of Pawhuska Municipal Airport (H76), helping strengthen the airport as an important gateway to Pawhuska and the surrounding region.
Among its contributions, the Foundation funded the airport’s self-service fueling systems, improving convenience for visiting and based pilots while supporting increased aviation activity, tourism, and economic development. The Foundation also made possible the development of this website and the airport’s new brand identity—helping Pawhuska Municipal Airport tell its story, welcome more visitors, and build a stronger foundation for future growth.
From a 16-year-old learning to fly in Oklahoma to a nationally respected leader in vintage aviation, Charles W. Harris devoted his life to the aircraft, people, history, and traditions of flight. Today, his influence continues through the work of the Charles W. Harris Foundation and its investment in the future of aviation in the community where Charlie’s remarkable story began.