Charlene Tant DeYong

Charlene Tant DeYong, 88, of Yukon, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2026. She was born on April 26, 1938, in Frederick, Oklahoma, to Charles and Lorene (Summerall) Tant.

Charlene was a proud graduate of Frederick High School and Cameron College. Throughout her life, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher.

Charlene was married to the late John B. DeYong. Together, they raised two children, Vicki and Mike. Charlene was a longtime educator in Tillman and Stephens Counties in Oklahoma and was especially proud of the many kindergarten students she had the opportunity to teach and encourage throughout her career.

Faith and service were central to Charlene's life. She and John were equal partners in their service to the United Methodist Church. While John preached, Charlene provided music and worked with children. Together, they served for many years in rural communities throughout Southwest Oklahoma, where they formed lasting friendships and touched the lives of many.

In her later years, Charlene enjoyed her retirement at the Spanish Cove community in Yukon, where she continued to cherish time with family and friends.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Lorene Tant, and her husband of 64 years, John B. DeYong.

She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Cooper and husband Wes; her son, Michael DeYong and wife Amber; three granddaughters, Kayla Southard and husband Scott, Shannon DeYong, and Sarah DeYong; one grandson, John (J.) Cooper; and three great-grandchildren, Weston Southard, Lana Kate Southard, and Moses John “Mojo” DeYong.

A private interment was held at Yukon Cemetery in Yukon, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Raising Voices, Inc., a sponsoring organization for dementia-friendly choirs.