Charles G. "Chuck" Hess

Charles G. 'Chuck' Hess, 77, of Austin, a retired real estate broker and commercial construction manager, died unexpectedly April 25 from injuries sustained while working on his ranch in Bastrop County.

Chuck was born March 6, 1939 in Jacksonville, Texas, to parents Harry and Vera Hess. The family resided in Houston where Chuck attended San Jacinto High School and was named to the all-city football roster. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1961 with a bachelor of science in business administration, Chuck enjoyed real estate success in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and Telluride, Colorado. His corporate career included positions with National Gypsum, Merrill Lynch, and Schlotzsky's, Inc.

An avid runner, Chuck was a founding member of the Houstonian Club in Houston, Texas, and ran his first marathon after the age of forty, including the NYC, Maui, Washington DC Marine Corp. and Houston marathons. He was also an enthusiastic world traveler to destinations that included Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, England and Egypt.

Chuck poured his heart and soul into his beautiful ranch near Austin, and spent countless hours with his beloved hounds - blue heeler Chapo (the 'wonder dog', as Chuck liked to say); and rescued German shepherd, Chasta. In recent years, Chuck indulged his passion for animals and cared for his horses, cattle and dogs as though they were his children. He rode his favorite horse, Rico Suavie, several times a week throughout the ranch, marveling at the wonders of Texas country nature at its best.

A deeply spiritual man who appreciated each day of his life and took nothing for granted, Chuck always made time to privately thank God for His many blessings. Chuck believed in hard work and doing the right thing; his tenacious work ethic, uncanny wit and unique sense of humor were obvious as soon as you met him. One of a kind – 'Chuck is too strong of a life force to ever not be present in our hearts . . . He is the boss wherever he stands.'

Chuck is survived by wife Janine; daughter Laurie Drymalla and son-in-law Chris Drymalla; and grandsons Canyon Manske and Court Manske. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Heather Hess; father Harry Hess, stepmother Polly Hess, and mother Vera Penry Hess.

A memorial party celebrating Chuck's life will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, May 13, with services at 7:15 p.m., at the City of Austin Zilker Clubhouse, located at 200 Zilker Clubhouse Road off Rollingwood Drive.

Contributions in memory of Chuck Hess may be made to the Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society, Capitol Area Quarter Horse Association or to the animal welfare agency of your choice.

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord,

make me dwell in safety." – Psalm 4:8