Charles Thomas Hutzler

Chuck was born on December 29, 1926 in San Antonio, TX to John E. and Dorothy A. Hutzler and was the youngest of 4 children. He was known lovingly by friends as: “Chuck” or “Charlie” and by extended family members, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as “Fella”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Doris A. “Tootsie” Hutzler (Belser) and Yvonne L. Hutzler (Mitchell) and his brother John E. “Buddy” Hutzler, Jr. Chuck was also preceded in death on April 17, 1992 by his first wife of 42 years, Alice M. Hutzler.

He is survived by his second wife of 26 years, Patricia C. “Ms. Pat” Hutzler, 7 children: Sharon A. Reed, Charles T. Hutzler Jr. (Celine), Catherine M. Ward (Jeffery), Patty Brown, Patrick L. Hutzler (Brenda), Michael S. Hutzler (Elaine), and Mary A. Meckel (Doug). He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 3 stepchildren Carol Coleman (Steve), Eric Gilbert, and Christie Ethington (Ron) and 5 step-grandchildren.

Chuck’s elementary education was at St. Cecilia’s Catholic School. He was a proud graduate and JROTC Corps Commander of Central Catholic High School in 1944 and graduated from St. Mary’s University with a BBA in 1950. He earned a Masters’ Degree of Business Administration, minoring in Economics from Sam Houston State University in 1964.

His military career included service in the U.S. Navy during WWII as Aircraft Mechanic 3rd Class from 1944-1946. He served on the USS Lexington (CV-16) Aircraft Carrier. Following his service as the First Corps Commander of the St. Mary’s University ROTC, he served in the U.S. Army from June 1950 to July 1972, retiring with the rank of LTC. During his tour of service Chuck and family spent time in Europe and many locations around the US. Chuck witnessed many sunsets in so many wonderful settings. He served during the conflicts in WWII and Vietnam.

Following his military career, Chuck was an employee of USAA from July 1972 until 1987. He was influential in the building of the USAA Bank.

Through his connection with USAA, Chuck continued to serve his community as an enthusiastic volunteer and a Board Member of the Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital Foundation. For many years he was helpful with the Santa Rosa Children’s Miracle Network Telethons and their benefit Trail Rides. He was also active in the American Lung Association and very active in the Catholic Church.

Beyond his military travels, Chuck and Ms. Pat traveled extensively and they were able to visit all seven continents. Chuck never met a stranger and he often started conversations with: “Are you behaving yourself”?

Chuck loved and was devoted to his Family, many Friends, Country, and God.

A visitation for Chuck will be held Monday, December 28, 2020 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with Rosary from 6:00 PM-7:00 PM and a Memorial will follow from 7:00 PM-9:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, Texas. A funeral service will occur at St. Peter Prince of The Apostles Catholic Church, 111 Barilla Place, San Antonio, Texas on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 11:30 AM. Burial following at the service at 1:30 PM, Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation, in Chuck’s name, to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of San Antonio or a charitable organization of your choosing.