Charles Bannworth

If youre about to throw something away, dont do it. Think about Charles Bannworth who saw value in all things; a screw, a piece of cardboard, a twist tie. Panty hose. And, yet it was never the thing he needed! Home Depot loved him.

Charles Arthur was an early Christmas gift for his parents, Arthur Charles and Olivia Dube Bannworth. He arrived December 24, 1942 and entered eternal rest on Friday, August 5, 2022. He was home where he wanted to be surrounded by his loving family. His spirit is carried on by his cherished wife of 40 years, Carol, two daughters, Marisa Bannworth and Heather Maples, son-in-law Tobin Maples and five grandchildren, Kaelyn Wester (Roberto Dovalina), Haiden Maples, Tait Maples, Teag Maples, and Cullen Wester plus a multitude of extended family relations and friends too numerous to mention. Charles is reunited with his Mom and Dad and busy throwing a baseball to grandson Zachary Wester. Hell say hi to his step-brother, William Keas and step-mom, Dovie Bannworth. And, if you believe dogs go to Heaven, the mutt he loved as if she were his own and not the neighbors, Girlfriend.

Charles was born at 6:45 p.m. in McAllen Municipal Hospital. He was a whopping eight pounds, twelve ounces and was twenty-one inches long. Once he started eating, he never stopped. He frequently finished Carols plate and always snagged her dessert at H-E-B Senior Partner functions. He spent his early years running through orchards with his imaginary friend. As a young man, he traveled the Rio Grande Valley from Mission to LaJoya working alongside his Dad. He rode horses, branded cattle, even harvested produce from the family farm. At 14 he showed up for his drivers test pulling a load of cotton bales. He also had no problems pumping untaxed farm gasoline for his car or sneaking off to the lake for boating and fishing with friends.

Sul Ross Universitys dry climate was the perfect fit for Charles allergies. He often spoke about midnight trips home driving 100 mph through the west Texas mountains. After obtaining his BA in Business Administration, Charles joined the United States Navy. He was proud to serve his country and was a true patriot. The day a four-year old boy tugged his pants leg and saluted him as a Viet Nam Veteran was very meaningful. While in-country, Charles was exposed to agent orange which resulted in multiple medical issues which ultimately caused his death. Charles spent 34 years working with the H-E-B Grocery Company. He had a varied career which started in Accounting and ended in Risk Management. He enjoyed working on the Arsenal Project when H-E-B moved to San Antonio because he loved the history and mysteries of the property. He enjoyed recanting stories told to him by Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Butt.

In their early years, Charles and Carol ran parallel lives as if they were destined to meet. It was 1975 when Carol was hired at H-E-B in Buying and Charles was in Accounts Payable. It was not love at first sight. The two positions clashed causing some not so harmonious discord. At a singles group event at the H-E-B Rockport Lodge, Heather took Charles frogging and that was all it took. In August, 1982, Charles became an instant Father. To coin one of his famous cliches, he took to it like a duck to water. Charles said that he got his kids after the diaper stage. Later, when grandkids started arriving, he handled diapers with solemn grace. He became "Pop" as christened by Zachary. It was holding the newborns that brought anxiety. Nothing made him prouder than to see his girls flourish in their lives. Tobin is the son he never had. Even though he didnt understand soccer, he loved watching Teag play. He cheered loudly when Tait ran and hugged him mightily at the finish. The thespians Haiden and Cullen excelled in their craft. Haidens play depicting the Viet Nam War brought him to his knees. It was too real. He was so happy for Kaelyn and Robertos future. He gave us all the love and laughter his heart could provide.

Charles was excited to share his favorite childhood haunt, Garner Park, with Marisa and Heather. He taught them to two-step at the Pavilion. He and Carol shared many adventures caving, snorkeling, sailing, tubing, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, camping throughout the Continental United States, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. Who knew he would love escargot and the hot chocolate found only on a cruise ship? Yet, when they built their home on acreage north of Boerne he was content to rest under the oak trees and enjoy the breeze blowing across the porch with his adoring cat Fletcher on his lap. He finally had a shop to rival the Alamo Dome and a zero-turn mower to pop wheelies; a smoker for family meals complimented by homemade ice cream. He loved getting his hands dirty taking care of his land. Springtime he was ready to get the chain saw buzzing. He helped Marisa clear land for her new home. This is the tenderhearted man who drove 45 minutes to Kendalia Wildlife Rescue to save his favorite squirrel, Henry.

Charles enjoyed the hot cars he had growing up. The list includes Chevy Corvair, Mercury Cougar, and his coveted first car, a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. When the opportunity presented, Charles restored a 55 Bel Air. He frequently displayed it at Soda Pops Classic Car events in Boerne. He and his friend from high school, Syd Martin, would cruise the backroads of the Hill Country in their classics with no destination in mind, just the wind in what little hair he had left. It wasnt unusual for Charles to start off at 4:00 a.m. to hit Pates Swap Meet in Fort Worth or spend months planning a trip to the Tri-5 Nationals in Kentucky.

Charles also fancied himself a master woodworker. If you ask Marisa and Heather what he made in his shop the response was birdhouses and sawdust! He threw his heart into making make tables and benches and tree-climbing steps for the grandkids. This craft carried forward to the shack that was purchased and turned into a cabin in Cloudcroft, New Mexico. It was a summer home away from home and a base for traveling the United States once the last fifth-wheel was sold. Cloudcroft was a playful time with new friends, dominos, and cards Not discounting the all-you-can-eat buffet at Inn of the Mountain Gods.

Charles was easy to love. He was your instant friend. He had a kinda strange sense of humor and usually forgot the punch line of the joke, but people laughed. His favorite joke was about the drunken Irish twins in the bar. Tobin has been easily influenced by Charles cliches and often repeats for his sons, "the sun shines on a dogs a$$ every once in a while". Charles was a prince and a fighter. Even in pain he saw beauty in the world. He had an incredible joy for life.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, on Monday, August 15, 2022, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

FUNERAL SERVICE

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2022

9:30 AM

PORTER LORING NORTH

Pastor Tom Masterson will officiate. Interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.