Charles "Charlie" Thomas Menn

Charles "Charlie" Thomas Menn, God's child, proud direct descendant of a Texas Declaration of Independence signer, fierce prayer warrior, family man, and devoted public servant, left his earthly body behind when his Lord and Savior called his name on the morning of Tuesday, the 22nd of July 2025.

Born on the 9th of September 1935, in San Marcos, Texas, Charlie enjoyed an active childhood in Austin, Texas, and the Texas Hill Country. He played for the Austin Optimist junior baseball team and in the American-Statesman Amateur Baseball League, watched University of Texas football games with the Knothole Club, rode his bicycle across town (including through the Texas Capitol grounds), and went whitetail deer hunting in Fredericksburg.

A proud Texan with German roots, Charlie had a strong work ethic and began his long work history at Menn's Baking Company, the first bakery in Austin to offer sliced bread. His first job was sweeping the floors of the family bakery, and he worked his way up to icing cinnamon rolls, a job he loved. In high school, Charlie worked for the Austin Baseball Club (Austin Pioneers) at the original Disch Field in Austin shagging balls during batting practice, selling programs, and answering the press box telephone.

After graduating from Austin High School in 1953, Charlie worked for the Texas Electric Service Company, where he traveled the state introducing "Reddy Kilowatt" to people at community outreach events across Texas. During his college years, he lived and worked at his grandmother’s boarding house in San Marcos, where his favorite task was taking clothes off the clothesline. Charlie earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Southwest Texas Teachers College in 1958.

He used his education and natural interests to build a remarkable career rooted in public service. He spent 32 years of his professional life as a Biologist with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD), formerly the Texas Game and Fish Commission, in Mathis, Fort Worth, Sheldon Wildlife Management Area, (now Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center), and Bryan where he was widely respected for his work in fisheries science across public and privately-owned lakes and waterways throughout the state. An expert on stocking waters, rotenone, and creel surveys, Charlie proudly represented TPWD at the State Fair of Texas and was happy to share his knowledge and help educate Texans of all ages. Charlie was a founding member of the Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, a Golden Membership Award recipient in the American Fisheries Society, and a frequent expert contributor to community workshops and outdoors sections in newspapers across Texas.

After retiring from TPWD, Charlie took his expertise to the fishing department at Oshman's Sporting Goods, where he shared his knowledge directly with fellow anglers and outdoor enthusiasts and was a proud member of Oshman's 100 Club for providing exceptional customer service.

His commitment to public service continued when he began a second career with the Harris County Sheriff's Department, where he became a certified peace officer commissioned by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) (now Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) through the Law Enforcement Academy at the University of Houston-Downtown Criminal Justice Center.

Charlie worked for ten years as a Jailer in the Harris County Jail complex, known for his characteristic dedication, punctuality, humility, and professional demeanor toward all people.

After retiring from the Harris County Sheriff's Department, Charlie's work ethic did not retire. He became a lay hospital chaplain through The Community of Hope and Peace Lutheran Church, a licensed Realtor®, and a United States Census Bureau enumerator, specializing in Nonresponse Followup operations.

Charlie remained deeply connected to his faith throughout his life. He was received into the Holy Christian Church through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and confirmed at The First English Lutheran Church in Austin. He married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Worth and, in later years, was a faithful parishioner who attended Monument Baptist Church every Sunday before his health declined.

Celebrating his 89 years of life, wit, wisdom, and work are the close-knit family he loved and prioritized; his son Kyle Menn (Sharon); daughter, Dr. Mindy Menn; grandchildren Joshua Menn and Jaycie McCumber; and wife of 57 years, Connie. Also celebrating his life are his church family, former colleagues, and generations of Texas anglers who unknowingly benefited from his work.

Charlie’s family will hold a private graveside service in the Texas Hill Country he loved his entire life. In lieu of customary remembrances, donations may be made in Charlie’s memory to the "Where Texas Became Texas" Campaign at Washington on the Brazos, 23400 Park Road 12, Washington, Texas 77880 or you can access the online link below under ‘Donations.’ You may also leave memories and words of condolence for the family below by selecting the ‘Add a Memory’ link below under ‘Show your support.’