Charles "Chief" Heartman Veith

Charles Heartman Veith (6/07/1945-12/31/2024) was born and raised in New Orleans. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Frederick Veith and Mary Morse Veith, and his wife of 32 years, Patricia Flynn Veith, as well as siblings William Ronald Maynard, Martha Veith Smith, and Suzanne Mimi Veith, and brother-in-law Richard E. O’Brien. He is survived by his son, Michael Veith, and siblings Mary Veith O’Brien and Dr. Robert Woody Veith, sisters-in-law Robin Gautreau Veith and Deborah Marchadie Maynard, as well as many nieces and nephews.

After graduating in 1963 from Warren Easton High School in New Orleans, he attended LSU and other institutions of higher education, ultimately receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston in 1981. He also attained a master’s in business administration from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio in 1998.

He enlisted in the Navy Reserves in 1965 and attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer while assigned to VP 94 in Belle Chase , LA. He retired from the Navy after 30 years of service. He never missed a chance to put on his uniform for various occasions, such as flag retirement ceremonies, Veterans Day ceremonies, and veterans’ dinners with the old group from VP94.

He had a long career working for multiple successive construction companies in Metairie, LA, Baton Rouge, LA, and Houston, TX as a Project Estimator, performing detailed and exact cost accounting.

In 1975, he relocated to Houston where he met the love of his life, Patricia Flynn, later marrying in 1977. He enjoyed a wonderful marriage with her until her untimely death in 2009. Because of her, he converted to Catholicism and became active in the church and its charitable activities, including the Knights of Columbus where he excelled in leadership.

The “Chief” attained the rank of Grand Knight twice at St. Cyril Catholic Council. He then was encouraged to go to the next level as a District Deputy, overseeing five councils. He was also elected to Faithful Navigator for the Eucharistic Adoration Assembly. Playing Santa Claus at children’s hospital was his most enjoyable time.

Charlie was also involved with the youth at church leading the Kerygma retreats. He also was involved in state party politics serving on various committees at state conventions.

He will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers we welcome you to make a donation to the charity of your choice.