OBITUARY
Charles Steuart Estes
November 11, 1977 – November 15, 2018
Charles Steuart Estes was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to Richard and Linda Estes. He is survived by his wife Cathryn, children Richard and Alexandra, mother Linda and stepfather Rick Davis, brother Arles and sister-in-law Erin, nephew Richard, father and mother-in-law Chris and Liz Lancaster, sister and brother-in-law Cara and Quillan Sneed, nephew Coda and niece Calla, step sisters Heather Compton, Haley Davis and aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father Richard Estes, grandparents Estes, and grandparents Moore.
Charles earned a performance arts degree from University of Oklahoma and Masters Degree in Music Education from Louisiana State University. Charles was the Music Program Coodinator at Episcopal High School in Houston, Texas. Charles was a devoted father, husband, son, brother, friend, and most of all an educator. He loved creating music and being outdoors.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations in Charles’ name to non-profits dedicated to advancing music education. Two they have selected are MusiCares (https://www.grammy.com/musicares/donations) or MusicDoingGood (http://musicdoinggood.org/).
Services
- Visitation Wednesday, November 21, 2018
- Funeral Service Wednesday, November 21, 2018
REMEMBERING
Charles Steuart Estes
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYLila Shah
November 26, 2018
Dear Cathryn,
I was shocked to hear the sad news. I have not spoken to or seen Charles since I left Baton Rouge but I will always remember him fondly. Such a kind and gentle soul. His love of music and his patient way of teaching Kung Fu will not be forgotten. I remember when you two started dating and how quickly and deeply he fell in love. It was the talk of the studio. What a magical love story. My heart breaks for you and your children but I know how resilient children are and I trust that your love for your children will see you through these dark times. You will be in my prayers.
Love,
Lila Shah
Kyle Coffey
November 22, 2018
Being in Dumas over the holiday I was remembering being at Arley & Charlie's house a real lot. We were thick as thieves when they lived across the street from us. Charlie was always in the mix! One memory really stands out ... Charlie was misbehaving one day & kind of throwing a fit so his dad grabbed him up & put him on top of the refrigerator! He was crying & carrying on up there. For many years in our family we'd say "don't make me put you on top of the fridge"! Charlie was full of zest & will be missed.
Natasha Sartin
November 21, 2018
Things just won’t be the same without you, Charles!
Kat, I remember hearing all about your first date with Charles and the immediate chemistry between the two of you. It was quite obvious, with the constant laughter & smiles every time I saw y’all together! Charles was such an incredible person, with a easy going personality, & wonderful since of humor. Not to mention he was SO much fun! He did splits on the dance floor at my wedding! However I most appreciate Charles for taking care of Kat & the children and bringing them the happiness they deserved. I’ll see you in heaven, Charles!
Cara Sneed
November 21, 2018
How can I say bye to you
When you are not even 42,
How can i say bye to you,
When i knew you protected my sister with your kung fu,
How can I say bye to you,
When your daughter is barely 2.
But I cant and I won't because you are all over the place,
I see you in that little boys face.
You had a wicked sense of humor,
In your daughter it sure did find her.
When the Saints and Astros play,
I know I will see you on those days.
And I know ghost hunter was your favorite show,
So maybe I'll see ya when the lights are low.
Today I placed the funny meme in your hand,
When I saw a bunch in your desk I knew your plan,
Cara, keep'em laughing, no crying, no fuss,
Ok brother will do, you just watch over us.
Kevin Chin
November 21, 2018
I am sorry for your loss. I knew Charles from White Crane. He was a fantastic martial artist and an amazing musician. Whenever I was around Charles, there always smiles and he seemed to make smiles contagious to those around him. We are saddened that the world is without his talent.
Courtney Harmon
November 21, 2018
Dear Estes and Lancaster Families-
We are so very saddened that Charles is no longer with us. He was an absolute delight during the few years that we had the privledge of knowing him. He was an often quiet and always comforting presence- until everyone else went home and we could really sit down and connect- we will miss those late hours. His sense of humor and perspective are an enormous loss, however we look forward to the opportunity to share our love of Charles will his family and children for many years to come. Please know that Charles is in the air- we feel him with the unexpected memories that flood back and find peace that he is still with us in that way.
Thank you, Charles for the times we shared- you will be sorely missed.
All our love to those he left behind.
The Harmon Family
John Guglielmo
November 21, 2018
Cathryn, We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Odette Ovies
November 21, 2018
I still remember so clearly meeting up with Charles & Kat in a hole-in-the-wall oyster place in NOLA, and Kat's uncontrollable smile as she slowly raised her left hand up to show me that she had JUST got engaged. I am so happy that you found each other, but I wish that you had so so much more time together. Kat - you know I'll always be here for you whenever you need me. Much love, Odette
Krista Stroh
November 20, 2018
I remember the day Kat called and said, "I'm going to marry Charles." I can still hear her saying it. She had so much joy in her voice. She was giddy.
And then yesterday, I found the photos of when the two of you came over to ask if Sophia could be your flower girl and share your day. Phi was so excited and there was nothing but joy in the photos.
In fact, I don't remember a time that you didn't look joyous or steadfast (or maybe a little mischievous). You will be so dearly missed.
Joann Foster
November 20, 2018
Cathryn,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I pray that you will find hope in the midst of your sorrow and comfort from the love of your family and friends in the midst of your pain. We are all here for you.
Sincerely,
Joann Foster
Amy Hebert
November 20, 2018
Cathryn - so sorry for your loss. Charles was such a great guy and match for you. He will be greatly missed. You and the kids are in our thoughts and prayers and we know you will get through this tough time surrounded by your loving family and friends. Sending hugs and kisses your way.
Cathryn Estes
November 20, 2018
**I promise to be your lover, companion and friend, Your partner in parenthood, Your ally in conflict, Your greatest fan and your toughest adversary.
Your comrade in adventure, Your student and your teacher, Your consolation in disappointment, Your accomplice in mischief, Your strength in your need and Vulnerable to you in my own,
And most of all, Your associate in the search for enlightenment.**
The three lines above were the vows Charles and I made to each other on our wedding day. We didn't write them ourselves but when we found them, we thought the words were perfect. It is a miracle that we found each other. I had never met anyone who challenged me more but was so very loving, compassionate, and protective. He always said he knew he wanted to marry me on our first date. For me, it took until the third date to know for sure. Charles almost always knew how I was going to feel, what I was going to say or do before I did. It drove me nuts that he found me so predictable. I'm really going to miss that. I'm really going to miss seeing him work with his students - he was so. very. good. I am so proud of him. And as a father...there are not enough words and my words will not be good enough to pay his fatherly love enough tribute. He was my true partner. Our relationship was our special place.
I love you so much, Charles. I promise we'll figure this out.
Andrea Taylor
November 19, 2018
My family has always been a small family, Charlie was one of my few first cousins. For many years we shared family Christmas together.
The sign of the suburban coming down the long driveway in Agnos, Arkansas during hunting season was the sign of the holiday.
As the younger cousin I always felt so cool when the older cousins were coming to visit.
My last Christmas memory with charley was receiving my first “New Kids on the Block” cassette tape.
One of my earliest memories was my first plane ride with my grandma to Houston to visit charley. We went to an Astros game. I recall me and Charley dropping peanuts on people’s heads from one of the upper deck areas.
Overall, I just recall thinking that Arley and charley were really special and that I was very lucky to have them.
Unfortunately life marched on and we all went our own ways and became very busy. We all graduated college, got married and had children but never really reconnected.
The last we spoke was at our grandmothers funeral two years ago.
And here we are again at the next funeral trying but unable to say hello.
This is what happens when you take for granted a tomorrow.
It is unimaginable that you are gone, I am so sorry for you, for your mom, for your wife, for your babies and for your students.
I do imagine your dad seeing you and embracing you with full arms with grandma and gradpa right behind for the next embrace.
It makes my heart skip a beat to see you walk into your dads arms again.
Love Andrea.
Michele Rogers
November 19, 2018
Cathryn,
What a touching video tribute to your husband. You can see what an amazing husband, father, friend and person he was. I am so very sorry for your loss and we are all thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Michele
Linda Huckaba
November 19, 2018
Dear Cathryn - My sincerest condolences for your loss, you and your family will be in our prayers.
Diana Wing
November 19, 2018
Cathryn, I am so very sorry to hear about Charles. Please know that I am thinking about you, the kids, and the rest of Charles' family and friends. All my love, your friend, Diane Wing
Cathy Glass Campbell
November 19, 2018
Cathryn, I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Cathy Curry
November 19, 2018
Kat, I am so sorry for this enormous loss for you and your family. During the next days, weeks & months you will be carrying a heavy heart and will be tasked with extraordinary responsibilities that no wife or mother should have to experience. I can see from the many beautiful pictures of you, Charley and kids that the time you had together was special and that you all experienced many happy times. You have the most beautiful smile that tells me that when others are around you they can't help but feel happiness. I am sure Charley would want you and the kids to continue this journey of life by celebrating his life and the happy times that you had with him.
Linda, I can't even imagine the heartache you are feeling right now, but I know that you are strong and will get through this. Charley's beautiful children & Kat will help you, as they will need you even more now. The kids will bring you so much love and always be a reminder of what a great loving son & dad Charley was.
Arley, as you said there are just no words to express how you are feeling now. Losing your brother and your best friend all at once is truly heart wrenching. You can always cherish the bond that you two had and make that live on with the love of music you both shared.
Thank you for laying Charley to rest by his Dad and by his grandparents, I know that would make all of them very happy. Not only, that he is there with them but also because of the very special place in our heart that we all share for Agnos. I will see you there on Friday. Love Cathy
James Monroig
November 18, 2018
I remember reconnecting with Charles when he was directing the Lee HS Band at a football game. I had read an article in the Chronicle that I believe Arley had posted to Facebook detailing how Charles was restarting the music program there. The band was small, could not have been more than a dozen or so students, but they played their hearts out and even marched at halftime. Sometimes we take things for granted like music programs in school, but not these students. They knew what it was like to not have a music program, but they also had the opportunity to take part in music thanks to Charles.
Kevin Sullivan
November 18, 2018
Charlie,
You were slappin' and poppin' a string bass, Arles was guit-fiddlin' and singing away and I was trying to remember where my fingers go on Am-sus7. That was our first & last performance together, and it was supposed to be an annual family/holiday thing year after year. It's difficult, now, to think what our future plans could have been, but I think the other musical family members can and will make sure the show goes on in your remembrance. I think you would appreciate that the music continues with you as a listener, rather than an instrumentalist.
God speed, Charlie.
Kevin Sullivan
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IN THE CARE OF