Charles "Chad" Otis Newell Jr.

Chad grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, where his curiosity, sense of adventure, and playful spirit were evident from an early age. Summers were spent boating in Christmas Cove, Maine, and winters skiing at Peek’n Peak in Western New York—experiences that helped shape his lifelong love of the outdoors and bringing people together. Even as a child, Chad had a knack for gathering friends and family, earning an early reputation as an enthusiastic party planner.

He attended the University of Wyoming before graduating from Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan, where he earned degrees in Liberal Arts and History. In 1981, Chad moved to Midland, Texas, to work for Arden Grover, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for the oil and gas business.

Chad married Liz Newell in Midland in 1983, where their two children were born. In October 1991, the family moved to Austin, Texas. The following year, Chad co-founded the Oil & Gas Acquisition Group (OGA), and later co-founded Schmidt Bates and Newell (SBN) Holdings. He thrived in the industry not only for his business acumen but for his ability to bring people together. A natural collaborator, Chad was deeply proud of the partnerships and friendships he built throughout his career.

Chad loved people and loved creating fun, often saying, “Fun is the best thing to have!” Whether through grand gatherings or simple moments, he had a gift for turning ordinary days into memorable ones. Each Halloween, he spent weeks transforming his garage into an elaborate haunted house, drawing trick-or-treaters from all over Austin. Summers were often spent at the family’s lake house on Lake LBJ, where Chad entertained his children’s friends in the “Monkey Shack,” laughing as he tried to throw them off inner tubes on the lake and hosting legendary clambakes by the fire pit. Always eager to create unforgettable experiences, Chad once took his daughter’s college friends and his son’s high school friends on a weeklong trip to Harbour Island, Bahamas—just one example of the joy and generosity he shared with so many throughout his life.

Chad is preceded in death by parents Charles O. Newell and Marcia B. Rogers; He is survived by his children, Maggie Newell Marrs (Charlie) and Chase Newell; his wife of 30 years, Liz Newell; sister, Marci Newell (Tom) and brother, David (Joan); grandchildren, John Bradley Marrs, Luke Marrs, George Marrs and two identical twin boys expected in April 2026; niece Susan Thompson (Paul) and their children Charlotte and Michael; nephews Daniel Newell and Henry Newell.

Thank you to the nurses at Hospice Austin and his caregiver Dawn who provided him comfort in his remaining days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Suburban Alcoholic Foundation, 2809 Northland Drive Austin, TX 78757 or to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road Austin, TX 78759.

A memorial service is planned for March 13, 2026, 1:30pm at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin, Texas.