Charles Martin Yates

"Charlie", as he was known to his family and many friends, was born October 4, 1950 at Mercy Hospital in Laredo, Texas, to Dan and Mary Yates, both of whom preceded him in death.

During the time that Charlie was growing up, the family lived in Laredo, Corpus Christi, Houston, and Eagle Pass, before settling in Runge when his dad retired in 1962. He graduated from Runge High School in 1969 and from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) in 1973, where he became active in exploring caves around Texas and Mexico for several years, and through which activity he formed many long-lasting friendships. He worked for the State of Texas in Austin as a Systems Analyst, in the Department of Motor Vehicles, The Office of Court Administration, and the Attorney General's Office. After retirement, he began a new career as a lease agent in the oil and gas industry when the shale-production boom started.

His true passion was Texas history, which he shared with countless people through his re-enacting and Living History activities. He was a Colonel in the Texas Army, the founder and President of the Texian Legacy Association, the Director of Celebrate Texas, a gifted speaker and a tireless volunteer at the Alamo, where he enjoyed sharing his boundless knowledge and endless enthusiasm for the history and rich cultural heritage of Texas with visitors from all over the world.

Charlie was always interested in life, in people, in learning to do new things, and in working on projects. He was able to relate to people from all walks of life and always took away something new from everyone he met. Among the many skills he taught himself were welding, silver-smithing, woodworking, and genealogy research. He loved exploring the outdoors, especially the beautiful Texas Hill Country where he enjoyed living, working and observing the wildlife with his wife. To know him was to love him, and he leaves behind many who will miss him for the rest of their lives.

Charles is survived by his wife Elizabeth Glidden, of Dripping Springs, Texas and his brother Roy, of Freeport, Texas.

A memorial service will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel in Lakeway Texas on Saturday, August 27 at 10:00 a.m.

Rest in Peace our precious one. We love you, miss you, and will never forget you.