Charles W. Postel

Charles W. Postel, 84, passed into the Hands of the Lord, with his family by his side, on September 14, 2011 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was born on February 6, 1927 in Kansas City, Missouri to Cornelius Postel and Pearl Robinson Postel of Cole Camp, Missouri. He had four brothers and one sister: Robert, Hazel, Ed, Billie, and Paul.

Charlie was selflessly devoted to his family and community. He always spoke of how well his wife Mary, took great care of him and he loved her wonderful cooking. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as he always looked forward to hearing from them and spending time with them. He worshipped regularly at Corpus Christi Christian Fellowship Church and attended breakfast every Wednesday morning with the St. John’s United Methodist Men’s group. His love for the Lord was evident in the life that he led. Charlie joined the Navy at the age of 17. He is a veteran of WWII, the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His Navy career took him around the world where he served proudly as a Master-Chief Petty Officer, retiring with an honorable discharge in 1967 in Corpus Christi. After his military career, he earned a second retirement as a civil service employee, spending 14 years in Germany.

During his life, Charlie had a lengthy and distinguished record of Masonic Service. He was an endowed member and Past Master of Oso Naval Lodge No. 1282 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was a recipient of the Golden Trowel Award and in 2010 he had the honor of being appointed as District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District No. 37A of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas. He was also Past Master of Friends on the Lawn Lodge in Giessen, Germany. Charlie Postel became a member of the Corpus Christi Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, the Council of Royal and Select Masters, and the Commandery of Knights Templar in 1994. Charlie was made a Knight of York in the South Texas York Rite College No. 169 on May 17, 1997. He also became a member of National Sojourners (Masons who were military officers or senior non-commissioned officers) on August 30, 2001, and was also a member of the “Heroes of ’76”. In the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, he achieved his highest honor, being elevated to a 33rd Degree Mason on October 19, 1995, chiefly because of his work in the American Military Consistory of the Scottish Rite in Germany. Charlie was also a Shriner and an active member of the Al Amin Shrine Temple in Corpus Christi. Along with his community work, Charlie made time to enjoy his piece of “God’s Country” at his ranch in Pawnee, Texas where he loved to be.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mary Postel of Corpus Christi, Texas; his children: Charlene Markey, of Grass Valley, California; Lee and wife Becky Postel, of Corpus Christi, Texas; Leslie and husband Robert Bernsen, of San Antonio, Texas; 9 Grandchildren; and 3 Great-grandchildren also, brothers Ed and Paul Postel. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Robert Postel, Hazel Hare, and Billie Postel. All who knew Charlie would say that he was a righteous, loving and humble man. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. —“So Mote It Be.”

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Cage-Mills Funeral Directors.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday September 19, 2011 at Cage-Mills Funeral Directors.

Interment will be at 2:00 PM Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Texas Children’s Shrine Hospital or the American Diabetes Association. To offer your condolences visit us at www.cage-mills.com

The Postel family would like to extend a special thanks and appreciation to his wonderful and caring primary physician Luis MacKrizz, the six specialists, and to the ICU nursing staff at Bay Area Hospital. Thank you!