Charles Joseph Villier Jr.

On New Year's Day, 2026 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, we unexpectedly lost our Wagon Master. During pioneer days, wagon masters would bravely lead their families to new life paths often facing the unknown. Charles Joseph Villier Jr. (Chuck), lovingly oriented our family for decades, providing an example of the compass needed for a life well-lived. After ringing in the New Year in style with family, he set out for the next stage of life – one we will have to wait to follow.

Chuck was born in Louisville, KY on June 15, 1938, to his amazing parents Charles Joseph Villier Sr., and Irene Marie Villier (Diebold) who both preceded him in death. He was blessed with three siblings: older sister, Charlene Marie Vissman/ (Tom), younger sister, Pamela Irene Eggers (deceased), and younger brother, James Anthony Villier/(Ann). He married the love of his life, Mary Ann Hughes on April 28, 1962. He and his bride of 63 years welcomed four children. Charles Joseph Villier III,/(Lynda), Deborah Leigh Gumper/ (John),Melissa Ann Walker/ (Kelly), and William Anthony Villier/(Sharyl). He relished the promotion to “Papa Chuck”, “Grandpa” and even “Cra-paw” with the birth of his 14 grandchildren – Zachary Chase Gumper (Lea), Katlyn Elizabeth Villier (Stephanie), Alexander Cole Gumper, Charles Jacob Villier, Joshua Wilson Walker, Ethan Hughes Walker, Megan Alyson Walker, Elizabeth Michelle Gumper, Benjamin Charles Walker, William Anthony Villier Jr., Stirling Alexander Villier, Lennon Knox Villier, Everett Joseph Villier, Seavy MacRae Villier, and one (so far) great grandson, Matthew Henry Gumper.

Chuck cherished his roles: devoted husband, loving father, adoring grandfather, steadfast brother, spirited uncle, loyal friend, unwavering boss, and faithful follower of Christ. He chose to face each day with eternal optimism often being heard saying “If I were doing any better, I’d have to start apologizing!” He demonstrated these integral values to all he had the privilege of knowing.

Chuck’s deep faith stemmed from his years spent in Catholic schools. He often shared fond memories of his days at Flaget High School, where he actively participated in cheerleading, choir, and most notably football. He loved playing football and even though he was not the biggest player on the field, his swift reflexes and skill often lead to him being featured in post-game photo recaps in the local newspaper. In college, he developed a life-long passion for barbershop quartet singing and performing while earning his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Louisville. While at school, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Ann whose name he quickly shortened to just “Mary” or preferably “Babes”.

After graduation in 1963, they rejoiced with his employment offer from Eastman Chemical Products and their life’s adventures began as they headed their “wagon” to Kingsport, TN. His career spanned 35 years with Eastman also living in Georgia, Colorado and North Carolina. Variety was sanity for Chuck, so he held positions from salesman to ultimately the Regional District Manager for the Southwest region. Those who worked with and for him described him as a “good role model personally and professionally” and a boss who “was ready to criticize when needed without any belittling”. He challenged those around him to “Don’t make that mistake again; go make a different one.”

Chuck carried this mantra into life - always up for a challenge, never shying away from new things, and lending a hand where needed. As a homeowner, he delighted in “seeing what’s behind that wall” by using a sledgehammer and only worried about putting it back together after he had fully committed to the project! This construction assistance he willingly offered to each of his children as they became homeowners –redoing bathrooms and kitchens, adding decks, installing sprinkler systems, and more! Once, after helping Melissa and Kelly expand and install new windows in their house, he shocked them by saying “Huh... that looks pretty good – I’ve never done that before!” Eventually, the entire family began to trust and rely on “Retirement Renovators” (Chuck’s “company”) after he retired from Eastman. He lovingly left his mark on every home, teaching his kids and spouses the art of “that’s good enough for government work”, “I guess you could do it that way” and “I’m just sayin...”.

Chuck loved to “Keep America Singing” with his involvement in the Barbershop Harmony Society, actively competing and performing both in quartets and choruses at the international level as well as in every city in which he lived. Chuck and his barbershop friends always managed to find a “stage” and “just the right moment” to break into song at family gatherings, weddings, and events. Many church choirs welcomed his vocal contributions and love of singing. To cantor at mass was one of his greatest honors. Chuck’s enthusiasm for performing attracted several of his grandchildren to the happiness one gains from creating vocal and instrumental music, and he cheered the loudest at any of their performances. Joy radiated from his face every time he made or heard those chords ring!

“What can I tell you folks?” Retirement brought more time for relaxation, but Chuck never slowed down! He and Mary enjoyed golfing trips with friends and family – especially in the winter, they would take their clubs to warm places to hit the links. Together they shared wonderful days quietly competing and cheering each other to a great round of golf. Always the teacher, Chuck had unsolicited advice on “the right way to hold the club” or “keep your head down as you swing through the ball”. Over time, he learned his grandsons made better students than Mary for these lessons! A day on the golf course with Papa Chuck will always be treasured memories for them. Chuck loved travelling with Mary. They ventured to Mexico, Bahamas, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Canada, Dominican Republic, Italy and Paris this spring to celebrate 63 years together!

If asked, Chuck would openly admit, his most treasured trips were those with his entire family at a beach on the east coast. Each year, his four children, their families, and any extended family members that were available, would all gather for a week to laugh, relax, recharge, and reconnect. It was not uncommon to have over 30 folks gathered together. Chuck demonstrated the importance of remembering we are all connected by family ties, but truly woven together by choice. In choosing to recognize the importance of family, we realize the greatest gift God has placed for us on this earth. Chuck believed: “We may not have it all together, but together we have it all”.

Honey, Dad, Grandpa - we listened, we watched and we learned so much from you. We followed you down life’s path on our own winding journeys. We will remember to orient our lives towards the important aspects of life – the ones you taught us. Even though you have gone on without us, and now we must wait until we see you again, we will let the words of our wagon master forever ring true...

“Head ‘em up and Move ‘em out!”

A rosary will be held, Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, 8755 Scarborough Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920.

Funeral mass, Friday, January 16th, 2026 at 1:00 PM at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. A light reception will follow the mass.

Christmas decorations still adorn the church sanctuary; therefore, instead of flowers, the family asks you prayerfully consider a donation to one of Chuck’s most treasured non-profits.

St. Jude’s - Tunnel to Towers - Wounded Warrior Project