The Buccaneer Pride Award, started in 2019, is being awarded to Charles Conaghan. He exemplifies the height of service in humanity to the Tonkawa community and beyond for reaching out where and when the need arises.
The Buccaneer Pride Award is awarded to an individual who graduated from Tonkawa Schools and has chosen to remain loyal to Tonkawa by establishing a home, being actively involved with the community and supporting the endeavors of the town, school and churches.
Charles was born in 1956 to Brian and Dorothy Conaghan, the middle son of three boys.
He grew up in Tonkawa, attending Washington grade school and graduating from Tonkawa High School in 1974. He was the usual student, participating in sports, marching in the band, singing in the chorus, and was a good student academically. His parents were both Representatives serving in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives, so Charles learned early that serving and helping was what one did.
After high school, Charles attended Northern Oklahoma College, graduating in 1976 with an AAS degree. He continued his education at Northwestern Oklahoma State College in Alva in 1980, graduating with a BS in Political Science / Law Enforcement Degree. In 1980 he continued his education at Pioneer Vo-Tech, earning a registered EMT license in 2001. Wanting to serve his community in the Tonkawa Fire Department, Charles became a Volunteer Firefighter, and when the Department acquired the emergency ambulance service, he served as an EMT technician. In 1982 he became the Tonkawa Civil Defense Director. Charles held the position until 2004, and once again became a volunteer spotter and firefighter. He was promoted to serve as the Fire Chief from 1985-1987.
Charles went to work at Contractor’s Bit Service and Supply where he grew up working in his grandfather’s welding and bit tipping shop as a young boy after school; it is still in his blood, and he continues to work at Contractor’s Bit Service. He graduated from Auctioneer School in Kansas City, MO in 1993 while an employee of Ed Douglas Auction Company. He continues to use that skill helping with the FFA fund raiser and other groups around town.
Since graduating from high school Charles has stayed involved with his church. He is a member of the church’s hand bell choir, Deacon, Elder, and Sunday School leader. He headed the local church’s mens’ group and served as state president of the CMF for the Christian Church Disciples ...
