Charles Weldon York

Charles Weldon York, PhD Dr. Charles Weldon York, Professor Emeritus in Human Ecology at the University of Texas at Austin died March 3, 2004 from the effects of colon cancer. Charles Weldon was born July 26, 1924 in Panhandle, Texas the youngest child of Dr. Orphus and Mrs. Bertha Richardson York. He had five brothers and three sisters. He attended the Panhandle Public Schools and graduated in May 1941. He then enrolled in the University of Texas at Austin in September 1941. He joined the United States Navy in November 1943. He served aboard several ships in the Amphibious forces in the Pacific Ocean. He received an Honorable Discharge in April 1946. He reentered the University of Texas at Austin in September 1946. He majored in Interior Design and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in May 1949. He was the first male student to get a degree in Home Economics at the University of Texas. He was a member of Rho Chapter of Theta XI social fraternity, member of Omicron Nu Home Economics Honorary Society, and a member of the Longhorn Band. Charles enrolled in New York University in September 1949 and received a Masters Degree in Retailing in June 1950. He returned to Texas and accepted a position with Neiman Marcus in Dallas in the Decorative Gallery and Gift Shop. In the fall of 1952, Charles accepted a position as a faculty member in the Interior Design Division in the Department of Home Economics at the University of Texas at Austin. He was the first male to hold a position in that department. Charles was a member of the American Institute of Interior Designers and of National Society of Interior Designers. During his tenure as a faculty member he started working toward a PhD in Housing at Cornell University in New York. He ultimately received this degree from Florida State University in June 1967. Charles attended the National Trust School for Historic Preservation at Attingham, England. He resigned as Head of the Interior Design Division in May 1984 but continued to teach for an additional two years. Dr. York liked music, museums, theater, opera, dogs, cooking, and gardening. His interest in genealogy allowed him to trace his family back to 15th century England. He also collected Cloisonné, Wedgwood, Georgian Silver, art works, oriental art, and glass paperweights. All of the members of his immediate family are deceased except a sister, Bertha Sybil Harrell (Mrs. Glynn D. Harrell) of Amarillo, Texas. Weldon is also survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Weldon is also survived by his Significant Companion of 48 years, Wayne E. Richards of Austin, Texas. Private services are planned and burial will be in the family plot in Panhandle, Texas. Memorial contributions may be made to the Carson County Square House Museum, Panhandle, Texas 79068; the Brightman-York Interior Design Scholarship Fund, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78705; Hospice of Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78759; or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78705 (512) 452-8811. You may view memorials online at www.wcfish.com