Chuck Oelkers was an extraordinary man whose humor, warmth, and generosity touched everyone he
met. The beloved son of J.C. and Rosalie Oelkers, Chuck was born on April 14, 1946, in San Antonio,
Texas, at Nix Hospital—just across the alley from the Alamo.

He grew up in Carrizo Springs, Texas, with his sister, Betty Oelkers Cormier, and cousins Elaine Stinnett
Rayburn and Jimmy Stinnett, on their family's 800-acre carrot and onion farm. As a skinny boy with a
hearty appetite, he once proudly set a record by eating 17 ears of corn in a single meal. Mischievous
and witty, Chuck often joked that his many trips to the principal's office were actually leadership
consultations. True to that spirit, he was elected president of the Carrizo Springs High School Class of
1964—the "Class with Class"—and continued to unite classmates through reunions over the years.

Chuck was a devoted husband and father. He began his married life with Dotty just after midnight in
1991, fittingly in front of the Alamo on his birthday. He cherished Dotty and showed his love daily—
making her coffee each morning despite not drinking it himself, happily grocery shopping, and
indulging his fondness for chips, candy, and regular Coke. Together they raised two sons, Jon Chase
Oelkers and Casey Michael Oelkers, who inherited his sharp wit, generous heart, and striking pale green
eyes. Those eyes live on in his cherished grandchildren: Ava and Elle Oelkers, daughters of Chase and
Nataline Oelkers, of Sugar Land, Texas, and Jack and Kate Oelkers, son and daughter of Casey and Kim
Oelkers of Katy, Texas. "Grandpa" relished every moment with them, proudly attending their sports,
school events, and graduations.

Chuck taught his sons to do a job that they were willing to put their name on. This quality has helped
both of them throughout their professional and personal lives. His family and friends knew Chuck as a
gifted chef, especially at breakfast—when the smell of bacon meant it was time to get up. Every
Christmas, he baked over 100 loaves of his famous banana nut bread, treasured gifts that neighbors
and loved ones eagerly anticipated each year.

After graduating from Angelo State University, Chuck built a career as a Regional Sales Manager in
industrial commodity chemicals. His favorite job was at TG Soda Ash in Raleigh, NC, where he thrived as
part of a fun and talented team. A natural salesman, he never met a stranger. His genuine curiosity and
sincere questions put people at ease and won him lifelong friends.

In retirement, Chuck turned his creativity to wood turning, teaching himself to craft bowls, wine
coasters, and other pieces from native Texas woods and even wood scraps. Just as he did with people,
Chuck had a gift for bringing out the best in each piece of wood, and he found joy in giving his creations
away.

Chuck's thoughtfulness, humor, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A celebration
of his life will be held soon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to
Houston Public Media - NPR and PBS at
https://donate.houstonpublicmedia.org/hpmf/memorial-and-honor-donations
or by calling  713-743-8483