Christel F Douthat's Obituary
Christel F. Douthat, born on August 7, 1940, to Elizabeth S. Flessner and Herman J. Flessner, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 7, 2026, at the age of 85.
Christel grew up in Malone, New York, where she graduated from Franklin Academy High School in 1958. She briefly attended the Champlain Valley School of Nursing before beginning a new chapter in 1960, when she moved to New York City. While working at American Airlines, she met Bill Douthat, who would become her lifelong partner. The two were married in June of 1962 and spent the early years of their marriage living between Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Christel's hometown of Malone.
In November of 1968, Christel and Bill welcomed their son, Jim, into the world. The family continued to make their home in Malone until the early 1980s, when they relocated to Tulsa. There, Christel began a long and dedicated career with the Bank of Oklahoma, retiring in 2001. Retirement didn't slow her down-she soon embarked on a second career at Mathis Brothers Furniture, where she worked for another 21 years. Christel often spoke with deep appreciation for her time at Mathis, and she held a special fondness for Shauna Cooper, who consistently looked out for her and made her feel valued.
Beyond her professional life, Christel found her passion and many lifelong friends through the Tulsa Metro Lions Club. She and Bill devoted countless hours to the organization's mission of service, and together they traveled the globe representing Lions Clubs International. These experiences brought her immense joy and purpose, and the friendships she formed through the Lions remained among the most meaningful of her life.
Christel is survived by her loving son, Jim Douthat; her daughter-in-law, Carolyn; and her cherished grandson, Darian Douthat, who brought her immeasurable joy. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her quiet resilience, and the warmth she extended to everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Her family finds comfort in knowing she is at peace, and they will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Lions Clubs International at .
A celebration of Christel's life will be 1:00 PM, Friday, February 13, 2026 at Bixby First Methodist Church, 15502 S. Memorial Dr., Bixby, OK 74008.
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