Charles L Velasquez

Charles Lee Velasquez, April 3, 1993 – July 27, 2024. Survived by his parents Rudy and Christy Velasquez and brother Roger Velasquez; aunts Ofelia Ramirez, Dolly Velasquez, Lucia Rappé, Lupita Rodriguez (Roland), Patsy Williams, Teresa Ortiz (Jerry), and Connie Belton; and uncles Roger Velasquez (Belinda), and Fernando Garcia (Belen); and numerous cousins and relatives. Charles also is survived by Jodeci Hernandez, his life partner and love of his life.

Charles was a teddy bear of a man, big and strong, with a hug that would crack your back or as soft as your favorite pillow. When Charles was young, everyone wanted a big, bear hug from him. At about 8 years old, as he grew in size and strength, we had to caution him not to give such big bear hugs. His powerful embraces, although genuine and filled with love, became a bit crushing no matter your size.

His best friend was his little brother Roger. Charles usually woke earlier than his baby brother who would wake up rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, asking, “Where’s Charles, where’s Charles?” Roger usually found Charles playing video games. Charles spent his mornings playing video games as Roger watched calmly at his side. Growing up, Charles and Roger found so many ways to bring joy and happiness into our lives, and as many ways to get into mischief.

Charles had many aunts and cousins willing to baby sit to give his parents a free evening. They loved taking care of him, but Charles’ mother enforced some strict rules to be followed in his presence: you must wash your hands before holding him; do not even consider coming over if you are ill or even recently ill; and if you sneezed be prepare to be escorted out. But the baby sitters tolerated the rules to be near my beautiful, precious, baby son.

Charles developed a special and deep bond with his Grandma Jenny Velasquez and Aunt Teresa who cared for him before starting school. Grandma Jenny taught him colors, new words, and how to count – which he learned quickly and easily. Smart and quick-witted, Charles always knew what to say. At about 4 years old, his Aunt Dolly heard Charles refer to Aunt Teresa as his ‘favorite Aunt’. Dolly quickly said, “Charles, I thought I was your favorite aunt!” Without missing a beat, he responded, “Actually Aunt Dolly, all my aunts are my favorite aunt.” I was amazed that a four-year-old responded so quickly with this perfect reply.

Charles watched many videos at home; his favorite was Jurassic Park. He memorized the actors’ lines, scenes, and dinosaur names. This movie sparked a fascination with dinosaurs. A 27” home TV was a large screen back then, so Charles was entranced when his Aunt Dolly took him to his first show at a movie theater. He would not take his eyes off the screen so his aunt shoveled popcorn into his mouth and placed a straw on his lips so he could sip a drink.

Charles and Roger enjoyed visiting Grandpa Gilbert and Grandma Cecilia Garcia, and the grandparents loved their grandsons immensely. Aunt Teresa lived next door to Grandpa and Grandma, so the boys enjoyed spending time with their cousins Jacqui Alvarez Warneke and Robert Alvarez.

Roger and Charles’ best childhood friend was neighbor Jerry Walker. The Walkers are more than friends; they are family. The boys played away summers, finding ways to entertain each other and learning to ride bicycles as their mothers watched over them. As teens, our families enjoyed camping near Cloudcroft. In winter, we visited Cloudcroft to harvest a Christmas tree from the national forest. Charles embraced the responsibility of carrying the tree to the truck. His strength and ability to climb like a mountain goat made lugging the Christmas tree out of the forest an easy feat for him.

Charles played some football, participated in track and field, and wrestled, and despite his strength and size, athletics was not in his heart. Playing music was his passion. He played keyboards and guitar, but loved the bass guitar most. Young rock bands change members as frequently as the seasons, so he played in numerous bands. I do not recall the band names or people, but I thank those musicians who included Charles and shared in his passion for music.

Charles started playing video games as a child and continued into his adult life. He often played late into the night, yelling at his gamer friends, often using bad language as he laughed deeply. To his gamer friends, we thank you for being part of his life and bringing him joy. Those laughs warmed my heart knowing that he was having fun with friends.

Charles graduated from Hanks High School and the University of Texas at El Paso. After changing majors several times, he found his calling to be electrical and computer engineering. He graduated during the COVID pandemic when engineering jobs were scarce. He landed a job in Colorado Springs and left El Paso for an exciting new phase in his life: a new job, city and opportunities. Jodeci soon moved to Colorado to be with Charles. They loved to travel and visited new destinations. Their lives in Colorado Springs gave them opportunities to explore the beautiful outdoors in Colorado and nearby states. They took day trips as often as their work schedules allowed. Charles documented their adventures with beautiful photos he shared on Instagram, showing his keen eye for photography. Jodeci shared with us stories of their travels to many fascinating places around the USA.

Charles was a beautiful baby and grew to be a handsome man. He had big dimples and wonderful smile. He enjoyed making people laugh and smile. His gregarious personality and radiant smile allowed him to make friends easily. He valued friends from elementary and high school, college, and the new friends he made in Colorado.

Jodeci Hernandez was, is, and will always be his one true love. Charles’ world revolved around Jodeci and I am certain he thought about her as he took his last breath. They met at Hanks High and she was his prom date. During his college years, Jodeci spent many evenings at his house playing video games or binge-watching Netflix. Charles enjoyed being with Jodeci’s family. He described them as vibrant, boisterous, and a party waiting to happen. Christy and I thank Jodeci’s Aunts Mayra and Gisselle Camarillo, and Uncle Ivan Camarillo for immediately flying to Colorado Springs to comfort and take care of Jodeci after Charles’ passing. Christy and I will forever love and cherish Jodeci for bringing Charles so much love and happiness.

I believe Charles is watching over us, hoping to see us embrace each other with warm and comforting hugs just like the ones he was known for giving. Charles is now with God, his grandparents, family, and friends waiting for the day that he can welcome us to heaven with a huge bear hug.

A visitation for Charles will be held Friday, August 9, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Crestview Funeral Home, 1462 North Zaragoza Rd., El Paso, Texas 79936, followed by a celebration of life at 5:30 PM.