Charles M. Halsell

Charles M. Halsell passed away on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009 at his home in Austin, Texas. He was born in Gonzales on May 15, 1930, the only child of Charles Oliver Halsell and Zula Magee Halsell and was raised in San Antonio. Charlie attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he received both his bachelor and masters degrees in mechanical engineering. It was also at the University of Texas that he met and later wed his love, Ann Smith of McAllen, Texas. After graduation, Charlie began what would be a distinguished career in both aeronautical and petroleum engineering, including the publication of numerous technical papers and patents. Together with his family, work took him to travel the world, from his first job in Oklahoma City to living in London, Kansas City and the Philippines before returning his family to Houston, Texas. His reputation in the petroleum engineering field was earned not only through his dedication and intelligence, but in equal parts by his integrity and humor. Upon retirement, Charlie and Ann returned to Austin, where their lives together had begun. Over the years, Charlie developed interests as diverse as photography, fine woodworking, antique clocks, radio-controlled airplanes and gourmet cooking. Charles is survived by his loving wife, Ann; son, Allen and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Halsell Erickson; son, William and daughter-in-law Joanie Salas Halsell; grand-daughter, Emily Jennifer Halsell; his aunt, Maxine Israel; and friends too numerous to name. Memorial donations to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org) or the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) would be sincerely appreciated by the family in lieu of flowers. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am – 11:00 am on Thursday, April 16, 2009 with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 am at Weed-Corley-Fish South.