Charles Owen Lile

Charles Owen “Charlie” Lile was born June 12, 1944 in Brownwood, Texas to Guy Lile and Mary Evelyn Burns Lile. His father was stationed in the Army at Camp Bowie in Brownwood as a fuel transport driver.

As a young boy, Charles moved with his family to Charleston in East Texas before moving to Corpus Christi when he was 12 years old. Both Charles and his brother, Oliver, were members of the Texas Youth Rodeo Association. The two brothers tied for 2nd in the state in Bull Riding during high school. Charles continued to ride bulls after high school until 1964.

Charles was a Mary Carroll High School graduate. While at Mary Carroll High School, Charles was involved with FFA (Future Farmers of America) being on Judging Teams and was President of FFA his Senior year. Charles was involved in his children and grandchildren’s 4-H and FFA Projects. He was also in the Del Mar College Welding Program before he received his draft notice.

Charles joined the US Air Force in 1966. He was stationed at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock where he was a Jet Aircraft Mechanic, OJT Trainer Supervisor & Aircraft Maintenance Technician. After 4 years, he was honorably discharged from the USAF with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After completing his military obligation, Charles returned to Texaco Warehouse in Corpus Christi as a truck driver. Being an entrepreneur, Charles started and operated several businesses. Besides owning Inland Transport, Inc., he also had Charlie’s SnoCone Factory & Watermelon Garden, Charlie’s Waterslide, Charlie’s Christmas Trees, and operated Lile Hog Farm with his father.

Besides being an entrepreneur, Charles loved classic cars and going on hunts with his friends.

In addition to his parents, Guy Lile and Mary Evelyn Burns Lile Mathisen, Charles is preceded in death by his brother, Oliver Lile.

Charles is survived by his son, Charles A “Charlie” Lile (Stephanie); daughter, Wendolyn A “Wendy” Lile Straight (Jason); granddaughters, Whitney Marbach (Jared) and Sierra Tomlinson (Timmy); grandson, Layne Balfanz (Abigale); nine great-grandchildren (Jenssen, Keller, Cullen, Tessah, Chloe, Charlie, Carter, Saylor & Kimber); and brother, Jerry Lile (Rowena). He is survived by his extended family, Trinie “Nino” Najera, his devoted friend for over 37 years, daughter Elena Villanueva (Amadeo). Charlie was “Popo” to Elana’s children, Austen & Daric Villanueva.

Pallbearers include: Layne Balfanz, Timmy Tomlinson, Amadeo Villanueva, Austen Villanueva, Robert Galvin, and Charles Powell.

A visitation for Charles will be held Friday, September 26, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78415. A prayer service will occur Friday, September 26, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. A committal and interment with final military honors will occur Friday, September 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415.