OBITUARY
Charlie Adrian Gutierrez
July 2, 1936 – December 28, 2020
Carlos Adrian “Charlie” Gutierrez, 84, of Houston, Texas, passed to Glory with great peace surrounded by loved ones on December 29, 2020, in Houston, Texas.
Charlie was born in San Antonio, Texas, on July 2, 1936, to Juan and Concepcion Gutierrez. He graduated from Fox Tech High School in San Antonio; before serving in the United States Army, 2nd Armor Division (Hell on Wheels), 23rd Infantry from 1959 to 1966. After returning from active duty at Fort Richardson, Alaska, Charlie returned home to San Antonio where he worked at Kelly Air Force base.
It was while working at Kelly Air Force Base that he met the love of his life, Martha, in 1961, they were married at Sacred Heart Church, in San Antonio, in 1964. Together they shared a loving marriage based on a commitment to faith and family. During their marriage, Charlie and Martha shared many adventures in their travels throughout the country and all over the world.
He was a loving father to his two daughters, Elizabeth and Leigh Ann, never missing a ballet recital, choir concert, or sporting event. He always encouraged and supported all their endeavors no matter how small. He shared with them his love of music, literature and history.
Charlie brought his family to Houston to attend The University of Houston, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1969. He was a proud alumnus of the university, and enjoyed attending all UH sporting events. His love of sports began as a child and he participated in several baseball, softball and basketball leagues throughout his life, including coaching several youth basketball teams in the community.
After graduating from The University of Houston, Charlie began his career with Royal Dutch Shell at the Research Center in Bellaire, Texas. He worked his entire career with Shell retiring in 1996.
Charlie lived a life of service to God and country, lending his time and talents to many area organizations. He was an active member of St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church for many years, serving parish in many capacities. He was also an active member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 151, and held several positions including Exalted Ruler, as well as District Deputy for the State of Texas. He was also an active member of the American Legion Post 77 where he reached rank of Commander.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Martha Del Castillo Gutierrez, of Houston; his daughter, Elizabeth Henson, son-in-law, Larry Henson, and granddaughters Emily and Adrianna, of League City, Texas; daughter, Leigh Ann Kinnaird, son-in-law, Andrew Kinnaird, granddaughter Roisin and grandson Struan, all of Dunoon, Scotland; sister and brother-in-law, Carmen and Joseph Panketh of Pfulgerville, Texas; brother and sister-in-law, Alejandro and Elida Gutierrez of San Antonio, Texas; and sister-in-law Lucy Barrett of Houston, Texas. “Tio Chuck” is also survived by nephews Jeff Rohman, Richard Gutierrez, Joseph Gutierrez, Reginaldo Gutierrez, Damien Panketh, and Eric Panketh; nieces Suzanna Navarro, Graciela Mancha, Deborah Terrazas, and Cathy Cederqvist; and many great-nephews and nieces.
He is preceded in death by his parents Juan and Concepcion Gutierrez of San Antonio, Texas; brother and sister-in-law Richard and Ninfa Gutierrez of San Antonio, Texas; sister, Virginia Gutierrez of San Antonio; granddaughter, Aillidh Kinnaird, of Dunoon, Scotland; and niece, Yolanda Gutierrez, of San Antonio.
A Closed Casket visitation with the family will be held Monday, January 4, 2021, from 6-8 p.m., at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church, 10330 Hillcroft St., Houston, TX, 77096. he Rite of Committal will be held on Tuesday, January 5, at 2:30 p.m., at the Houston National Cemetery. Due to the time between Mass and the Committal, please meet at the cemetery. Cars may line up in Lane 1 between 2:15 and 2:29 p.m.; at 2:30 p.m., the cemetery will lead attendees to the service area.
Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate
The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Your kind words, prayers and memories shared have meant more than you know.
There is no death, only change of worlds. - Chief Seattle
For those that wish to view the Funeral Mass, the recording can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK5abBGP47w&feature=youtu.be
Services
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Visitation
Monday, January 4, 2021
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Funeral Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
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Rite of Committal
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Memories
Charlie Adrian Gutierrez
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYSkip Ward
January 6, 2021
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences for Martha, Leigh Ann, and Elizabeth.
Charlie and I joined Shell at about the same time and worked closely together for about 20 years supporting Shell’s offshore engineering efforts. Charlie was a great contributor and essentially managed Shell’s offshore database. In addition to his technical competence, Charlie was a fun-loving character who brightened many days with a joke or two. We got to know each other well, and Karen and I enjoyed our friendship with he and Martha.
We are thankful for our fond memories of Charlie and wish him fair seas and a following wind.
His was a life well lived – he will be missed by the many lives that he touched.
Skip and Karen Ward
Gordon Sterling
January 5, 2021
My sincere condolences to Martha, Leigh Ann and Elizabeth, I worked with Charlie at BRC in the 1970's. He was a very competent and professional contributor to Shell's Offshore Oil and Gas Research, and he had a great sense of humor and proportion. I knew of his community work as well, and admired him for what he did on his own time as much as for his professional contributions.
A truly good man who had a significant impact on his world and on many many lives.
RIP.
Gordon Sterling
Damien Panketh
January 4, 2021
Dearest Tío Charlie, thank you for all of the wonderful memories over the years. Your humor, stories, and guidance will be greatly missed. Thank you for being the greatest godfather to me, and being the godfather of our family. May you rest in peace and joy with our heavenly Father and our family that has gone before us in eternal life in Heaven.
Debra Thomas
January 4, 2021
Charlie and Martha,
What a blessing you have been in my life and so many, many others! Charlie you could be serious, silly, silent and and thoughtful all in one encounter. I will always remember your devotion and love of Martha, your daughters, and grandchildren. Your friendship and wit will be missed by many. You touched a lot of people my friend. God speed and RIP.
Love you both.
Debra Thomas
Carmen Dominguez
January 4, 2021
Dear Charlie you are gone now, yet you will live in our hearts forever. I will never forget the kindness you and Martha showed to my parents. You lent them your beloved car. They loved your dearly, as the Dominguez family does. You will be truly missed.
Until we meet again cousin!
Lovingly,
Aaron & Carmen Dominguez and family
Linda Lee (Schmidlin)
January 3, 2021
Martha,
My love and prayers to you and the family. Our families have known each other for so many years. Shell moved us here in 1972 but that is not when I first met Charlie and you. We met at St. Thomas More and Charlie was my 9th grade Catechism teacher. Years later when I walked thru the doors of Shell, it was nice to see my church Dad in the halls of Bellaire Research Center. Thru good times and bad, Charlie always had a hug and words of wisdom. His ability to joke with me and make me laugh even thru the hard times are memories that I will cherish forever. Charlie was a good man and I, for one, was blessed to know him. Strength and courage to you for the future.
With Love,
Linda (Schmidlin) Lee
Lisa Tolman
January 2, 2021
Mrs. Gutierrez and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss of Mr. Gutierrez. I know he was very loved by all of you. I will be praying for your family to have peace in this time of great sorrow.
All my love,
Lisa Tolman
Doris Hoyt
January 2, 2021
Never saw Charlie without a big smile on his face! Known him for about 40+ years and he was always joking and laughing. He and Martha fit together like a hand and glove and I know she and the whole family will miss him dearly but, he will always be watching over his girls.
He will remain in the hearts of all his many friends.
Prayers and love for the family. Doris
David Walters
January 1, 2021
Heavens, I haven’t been to a Post 77 meeting in years, but I remember Carlos well.
Patricia Wilkening
January 1, 2021
Dear Martha and Family,
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved Charlie I remember hearing about all of the wonderful travel and family get togethers His love, strength and kindness will always remain in your hearts. I will be holding you in my prayers in the days ahead.
With my love,
Pat Wilkening
Terry Doig
December 31, 2020
Dear Martha and family,
I am praying for you during your time of mourning!
Charlie, I know you are in heaven having a huge birthday party with everyone we have lost and loved! You were a great man. You forever impacted my life! God speed!
Rick wants to know if you took your TAG watch with you!!
Love, Terry and Rick Doig
Dorothy McCubbin
December 31, 2020
I feel fortunate to have had you as a friend in my life. You’ll never know how much I enjoyed your quiet demeanor, albeit its being peppered with your personal sardonic humor. I have missed our times together since I left Houston. I will see you in my dreams… until we meet again.
Maureen Bartel
December 30, 2020
Charlie,
Thanks for being a wonderful, kind, humorous and sharing man who was a friend to everyone he met.
You were a blessing to Martha and your family and you are leaving them a legacy of loving memories and your joyful spirit to treasure forever.
God bless all of you in your time of sorrow and keep you strong.
Maureen Bartel
Kevin Rose
December 30, 2020
Charlie,
I am grateful for all the good times we shared together over the years at graduations, holidays and family celebrations.
You were an outstanding husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Healing wishes to you Martha and your family in your time of sorrow.
God bless you,
Kevin Rose
Nancy Ayres
December 30, 2020
Such fun times as ELKS Lodge. Charlie you made things brighter for all. Thank you for being you and a part of my world. You will be truly missed.
Bonnie Griffies
December 30, 2020
Martha, I am so sorry for your loss. Charlie, I am forever blessed for having met you! Rest peacefully in the arms of our Lord. I know He was at the Gate of Heaven saying, "Welcome home Charlie and Happy Birthday!"