Tulsa COVID-19 Survivor Says People Should Be Cautious, Not Live In Fear

A lot of titles can describe 86-year-old Charles Cotner. Mostly these days, he's known as Paw-Paw to three grandsons, a loving Dad to his daughter, and a dedicated husband to his wife, Jan, who mostly goes by Nana these days.

They've been married 54 years. But long before his wedding day, the self-described country boy from Liberty Mounds answered the call when his country needed him, joining the Marine Corps during the Korean War.

"It was something I think everybody should experience, every young man anyway," said Cotner.

He was only 19-years-old when he became a Marine, and a year out of high school where he had a graduating class of 13 students.

"Oh! I was adventurous, wanting to see the world anyway you know. I guess," Corner said.

Cotner's military adventure ended after three years. He eventually went to college and became a teacher.

"You know, you hope you're helping them," said Cotner.

He taught for 27 years, mostly business related classes.

"I do meet some of the students, and they still remember. Some of them appreciate it, and I'm sure there are some that do not," Cotner said.

"So a small town boy, Marine veteran, father, grandfather, teacher. But Mr. Cotner has one more thing that can be attached to his name: recovered COVID-19 patient.

Cotner was in a rehab facility recovering from a broken hip at the end of July. While in rehab, he got COVID-19.

"I've never seen so many medical personnel, coming from all different directions. They wanted to see this COVID case," said Cotner.

He ended up in isolation, but he never had to be on a ventilator.

"For some people, I think it would be very scary, but others would not think of it that way. It's just something in life you've got to beat," Cotner said.

After three-and-a-half weeks, he beat it and was well enough to be released from the hospital.

Cotner said he'll always be grateful to his medical team.

"At my age, I really don't worry about things like that," said Cotner. "I've lived a full life, so what will be will be."

This member of the greatest generation, beat a virus like nothing we've seen in multiple generations. So here's another description for Cotner: fighter.

He feels fortunate. Cotner encourages everyone to be careful and to wear a mask.

"You caught it, it's unfortunate, but you'll come out of this, you're going to win," Cotner said.