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Charles Albert Menke (Charlie) was born on April 5, 1941, in Houston, Texas to Dr. and Mrs. L.L. Menke. He grew up in Waller County and prided himself in living on the same piece of property his entire life. He was a graduate of Waller High School (1959) and a graduate of Texas A&M University (1963).   At Texas A&M, he was a member of the Corp of Cadets and the highlight of his years at A&M was serving on the Livestock Judging Team.

Charlie met the love of his life in the Hempstead barber shop as Ann Mills "pranced" through on the way to her beauty shop appointment. On June 14, 1964, God united them and so began a joyful and happy 54 year marriage that was evident to everyone.

Charlie had a lifelong passion for farming and ranching and was working on his property the day he died.   He was confident in his faith in Jesus Christ and always attended St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church faithfully, serving in numerous capacities.   He has served on the board of directors of the First National Bank of Bellville since 1974. In the fall, Charlie could be found on Saturdays attending or watching Aggie football and re-living half time performances when his son, Mills, was in the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band.

Charlie was the epitome of a great Texan: a hard worker, full of integrity, wisdom and good humor. Loyalty and generosity were words many use to describe Charlie.   His children are committed to carrying on his legacy and are thankful for the many things he taught them which include respecting their elders, doing the right thing, and making decisions without looking back.   He loved his family and was proud of his grandchildren.   He especially loved taking them to Walt Disney World where he led searches for Donald Duck, ate "rat bars," and rode the monorail.

God called Charlie home to be with Him in heaven on December 18, 2018. He is preceded in death by his parents and leaves behind his beloved wife, Ann; children: Karen, Kathy and husband Aaron Holmes, Mills and wife Adrienne; grandchildren Jake and Andrew Holmes and Adalie and Connor Menke who all look forward to seeing him again in heaven.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 22, 2018 from 6-8:30 pm at Canon Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be Sunday, December 23, 2018 at 1 pm at St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 811 Austin St., Hempstead, TX with The Reverend Robert Merrill officiating. Interment will follow at Hempstead Cemetery.