Deacon Charles Thomas Sylvester

Charles Thomas Sylvester, age 81, passed away on June 25, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. He was born on January 16, 1944, in Palacios, Texas, to Owen Wynn and Lorene Sylvester. Charles was raised in Victoria, Texas, and graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1978. He also completed an Executive Program at the Wharton School of Business.

He married Frances Kay Van Pelt in 1965, and the couple had one child. Charles was a Permanent Deacon at St. Rita Catholic Church, where he served for more than 45 years. He also retired as an Area Service Manager for AT&T. Charles was a longtime member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

In his spare time, Charles enjoyed baptizing babies and cheering on his favorite sports teams. He attended several Super Bowls and was thrilled to watch the Texas Rangers win a World Series game. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

His family and friends will always remember him as a loving, devoted husband, deacon, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He always made time for everyone and found joy in serving St. Rita, his family, and his community.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lorene; his father, Owen Wynn; his brother, Roy Wynn; and his brother-in-law, James Van Pelt.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Frances Kay (“Patti”); his daughter, Melissa Lynn, and her husband, Russell Rachuig; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren:

– Rosie and John Mark Cleaveland, and their children, Hudson, Maddox, and Noah

– Sydney Descourouez

– Russell Thomas and Suzannah Descourouez, and their children, Charlotte and Logan

– Sawyer and Satwika, and their son, Shawnak

– Emma and Nick Brown, and their children, Owen and Oakleigh

He is also survived by his sister, Margaret Ann Sellers, and her children, Londa and Scott; his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Carolyn Sylvester, and their children, Laura and David; his sister-in-law, Phyllis, and her daughters, Lauren and Stacy—as well as many beloved grand-nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Rita Capital Campaign or the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation. (Direct links below)