Charles Matthew Koetting

Charles Matthew Koetting, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully Easter Sunday April 5, 2026 surrounded by love and family, at his home on Turtle Creek in Dallas, Texas. He was 79 years old.

Charles was born on September 11, 1946, in Groom, Texas, to Leo and Vera Koetting. He was raised in Amarillo, Texas, alongside his six siblings—Alfred, Betty, Stanley, Carol, Fred, and Mary—forming the strong family foundation that remained central to his life.

A proud graduate of Texas Tech University, Charles moved to the Dallas–Fort Worth area in 1971 with his wife Anna, beginning a journey marked by ambition and an entrepreneurial spirit that would define his legacy. Over the course of his life, Charles started and partnered in more than 50 businesses, most significantly by following in his father’s footsteps with CKOE Builders and later branching out with CKOE Metals.

Charles was a true entrepreneur in every sense—fearless, creative, and always willing to try just about anything. He embraced life with enthusiasm and humor, often adapting “If I Were a Rich Man” for any occasion, bringing laughter and joy to those around him.

He had a deep love for family, adventure, and togetherness. In the 80’s and 90’s, Charles treasured spare time at his ranch in Oklahoma, where he created lasting memories with his children, instilling in them resourcefulness and independence. Charles later created an open door atmosphere at his home on Lake Palestine, which became his peaceful and beautiful refuge that he loved to share with all who joined. He especially enjoyed playing games and teaching his jet boat and jet ski skills to Declan.

A dedicated and loyal presence in the lives of his loved ones, Charles made it a priority to show up for life’s most meaningful moments. He also showed up for those in need. Through the years, he generously supported causes near and dear to his heart, including serving on the boards of The Gay and Lesbian Alliance during the peak of the AIDS crisis and Children’s Hospital in Dallas. More recently, being passionate about developing a mindfulness habit during childhood development, he helped found the Mindfulness Community Fund.

He is survived by his loving wife, Caroline; his stepson, Declan; his children, Bart and wife Crysta, Jake, and Jenny; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He also leaves behind 2 sisters, 28 nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends and business partners who will forever cherish his memory.

A service celebrating Charles’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 11, at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home. A link to a livestream of the service is available here: https://www.youtube.com/live/mjMUSqN3ZcE

Flowers may be sent to Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home. The family requests that charitable donations in honor of Charles be made to Mindfulness Community Fund. https://www.mindfulcommunitiesfund.org/

Charles was a unique person, fully engaged with life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.