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Charles McKaig Walkingstick was born in 1922 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Simon Ralph and Margaret McKaig Walkingstick. He is best known for both his commercial and fine art. During World War II, Walkingstick joined the United States Marine Corps and served in several major battles, including the Marshall Islands, Saipan, and Okinawa. He is also recognized as one of the “Atomic Veterans,” having been among the members of the 2nd Marine Division sent into Nagasaki to assist with cleanup efforts following the atomic bombing.
After the war, Walkingstick settled in Yukon, Oklahoma, where he worked for the U.S. Postal Service and General Electric. He became an active member of the local art community and was deeply involved in veteran affairs. In the early 2000s, he served as commandant of the Sooner Detachment of the Marine Corps League. During his time with the League, he was awarded a service medal for his contributions to the “Historian and Artist” division.
Walkingstick earned several honors for his artwork, including first place at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in 2005 and a Judge’s Award for an oil painting at the Red Earth Fine Art Competition in 2007.
Charles Walkingstick passed away in Yukon in 2016 at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of artistic expression and dedicated service.
Curator
Will Long, Library Specialist I
The University of Central Oklahoma recognizes the university's main campus is located on the traditional lands of the Caddo and Wichita people.
View the full Land Acknowledgement.
