Charles Dewey McMullan

Charles Dewey McMullan, 77, of College Station, Texas died on May 18, 2012 at the Isle at Watercrest after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He learned early on the values of faith, family, and country and he embodied these qualities throughout his life. He was a wonderful example of a Godly man to his family, school, and country.

Charles Dewey was born on the family farm in Tupelo, Texas on January 9, 1935 to Thomas Clark McMullan and Mary McCord McMullan. He was the youngest of their four children. He attended school in Rice, Texas until tenth grade, when he transferred to Corsicana High School where he graduated in 1953. He attended Texas A&M University where he was a member of the class of 1957. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Construction. He was a member of the Ross Volunteers, Air Force ROTC and was active in the Wesley Foundation. In 1963 he received a master’s degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Texas.

While at a Wesley Foundation event in 1957 he met the love of his life, Helen Ann Tasto. They were married August 31, 1957. Their 54-year marriage was a beautiful example of a true partnership.

After graduating as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Texas A&M, Charles Dewey entered the United States Air Force. He served in various engineering capacities for 21 years, and their travels took them all over the world. His final assignment was as Base Civil Engineer and Commander of the 351st Civil Engineering Squadron at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. He received many honors and awards, including the Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters. He retired from the Air Force in 1979 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After retirement from the Air Force, Charles Dewey served as the president of an architectural concrete company in Austin. In 1980 he had the opportunity to return to Texas A&M University to teach in the Construction Science Department. He received the Association of Former Students Distinguished Teaching Award in 1997. He was honored to have the Charles D. McMullan’57 Endowed Scholarship established to be awarded annually to undergraduate students in Construction Science. He was further honored with the establishment of The Charles Dewey McMullan Endowed Chair in Construction Science. He retired in 1998 and was named Associate Professor Emeritus of Construction Science.

Charles was an AIC Certified Professional Constructor and Fellow and a licensed Professional Engineer. He was active in many community activities including the Stonebridge Homeowners Association and the Kiwanis Club, serving as President in 1989. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Bryan. He loved hunting, fishing, woodworking, arrowhead hunting, and attending Texas A&M University athletic events.

Charles was preceded in death by his mother, father and brother Robert. He is survived by his wife Ann; his daughters Diane Galloway and husband Mark of Prosper, TX, and Ruth McMullan ’83 of College Station; grandsons Steven Robert Galloway of Chicago, IL, Jeffrey Charles Galloway of Austin, and Drew Michael Galloway of College Station; his sisters Joyce Bowden Kyles of Conroe and Marjorie Roberts of Waco, and his sister-in-law Wilma McMullan of Corsicana; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to visit the family on Tuesday, May 22, at Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station from 10 a.m. to noon. A private family graveside service will be held Tuesday afternoon at the College Station cemetery. Friends are invited to the Celebration of Life service on Saturday, May 26, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church Bryan.

The family is grateful to Lighthouse Hospice and the staff at the Isle at Watercrest for the loving care they provided to Charles.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First United Methodist Church Bryan (506 E. 28th Street, Bryan, TX 77805-3846) or the Texas A&M Foundation for the Charles D. McMullan ’57 Endowed Scholarship in Construction Science (401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840).