Charles Dagher, 92, of Burnet, Texas was called home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 26, 2018. Charley was born on February 8, 1926 in San Antonio, Texas. He was the only child of Juan Dagher and Romona Garcia Dagher. Charley grew up in San Marcos, Texas and attended Southwest Texas State University. Charley put himself through college by working at Paul Leonard Photography where he swept floors and learned the art of retouching photographs. Charley’s love of music began early in life. He played the clarinet, saxophone, violin, cello, and drums. His love of music continued throughout his life. Charley earned his BS in Music Education in 1949. With no car, 2 pairs of shoes, and 1 box of clothing, Charley began his lifelong career as a teacher when he moved to Rungee, Texas. For the next 10 years Charley taught band, choir and catechism in Rungee. While in Rungee, Charley earned his Masters of Music Education by going to school during the summers. Charley’s teaching career would continue when he moved to Comfort, Texas to become the high school band director.
In 1966 Charley made his final move and came to Burnet, Texas where he would teach for more than 30 years. He taught 4th and 5th grades at Burnet Middle School, Shady Grove Elementary, and J.R. Richey Elementary. His love of learning inspired his students to reach for the stars while persevering in their pursuit of an education. He was looked up to by his fellow educators who would often come to him for advice on how to reach the children in their classrooms. Charley was always there to lend an ear and give “tell-it-like-it-is” advice along with his timeless words of wisdom. Charley was a respected and much admired educator throughout Burnet where he touched the lives of countless children and their families. Charley retired after 50 years in education, in 1998.
However, his days in the classroom did not end there. With his own admission of, “What do you do after teaching for 50 years? You teach a little more.” So, he continued on in the classroom by working at J.R. Richey with those children needing a little extra TLC. In 2006, the district of Burnet received a substantial grant from an anonymous donor with the stipulation that a playground be built at J.R. Richey and named in Charley’s honor. Ever the humble spirit, Charley summed up this tribute by saying, “I am stunned by this donation. I do what I do-I don’t think it is anything special.” Charley truly was a gift to all who entered his classroom and all who knew him outside the classroom.
Charley’s other passion was being a devout UT fan. He attended UT football games for 50 years with Jennie Hammond and cheered the Horns on at every opportunity. Hook ‘em Horns, Charley!
Charley never forgot from where he came – he was a man of deep faith, unwavering determination, and an appreciation for the simple things in life. He lived his life by the simple principle “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He lived a Godly life and was a member for over 50 years at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Burnet.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Oaks Nursing Home for their compassionate and loving care they gave Charley for the 6 years he was there.
Charley will be missed by his loving family, Peggy Hammond, who gave unwavering love and assistance during his years in the Oaks, Charlotte and Denis Wilson, Theresa and Butch Scherer, Becky and William Buttery, Taylor Scherer, Eva Barker and her children, Tyler and Colton, Patricia Williams, Anne Stuard, and Donna Hammond Lane.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 5, 2018, from 6:00 pm to 7:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at 10:00 am at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Burnet followed by a private burial at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Burnet. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to Hill Country Community Foundation c/o PO Box 848 Burnet, Texas 78611.
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