Joel Charles 1956-2026

Joel M. “Shop” Charles, “Shopteese,” 69, Mayetta, died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at his home on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation.

He was born Aug. 22, 1956, in Pawnee, Okla., the son of William Charles and Thelma Hale. He was raised by his grandmother, Erma Pequano. He attended Chilocco Indian School in Newkirk, Okla.

Mr. Charles was a U.S. Army veteran. He had worked for the Kickapoo Tribal Police Department and for Labor Max and was a dishwasher at the Prairie Band Casino.

He was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

Survivors include a daughter, Wynona Jean Davis Nemechek, Topeka; his siblings, Aaron Hale, Mayetta, Darrell Wewenes, Darlene Wewenes and Wynona Wewenes, all of Horton, Sharon Doxtator, Topeka, Madelene Wewenes, Lawrence, Milford Wewenes, Horton, and Eddie Joe Mitchell, Mayetta; four grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Martin Jim Jr.

A supper and wake will be held Friday evening, Feb. 13 at the Dance Ground Building. Burial with military honors by We-Ta-Se American Legion Post 410 will be held Saturday afternoon in Metwe-Shabni Cemetery. Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton is in charge of arrangements.