|
Brandes, Charles William "CW" (1922-2009)
Brandes, Charles William "CW"
Obituary
2009
Funeral services for Charles William "C.W." Brandes, 86, of Sealy were held Feb. 1 at the First United Methodist Church in Sealy, with Rev. John Tyler officiating. Interment was at the Sealy Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Mason, Stacy, Darren, Jeff, Nicolas and Stephen Brandes, Tyler Mazac, Benn Copeland and Trey Copeland. Honorary pallbearers were Jim O'Neil, Gary Ray, Max Chesshir and Charles Brandes. Charles William Brandes, also fondly known as "C.W.", was born at the home of his parents in Burleigh. He was the eldest child of four children born to Fritz and Hermina Brandes. His brother was Owen Otto and sisters were Leah Virginia and Vivian Janette. He grew up in the Burleigh farming community and attended elementary school at Roach Prairie School, followed by graduation from Bellville High School. Following graduation, Charles worked as a line foreman with the LCRA. He then managed a service station in Bellville, at which time he married Lillie Schubert from Sealy. They resided in Bellville and were blessed with the birth of their first son, Charles Waddel. They moved with their infant son to the Hacienda community into a small, one bedroom house on the property that eventually became their permanent home on Grubbs Road in Sealy. They resided there for the remainder of their lives. During the following years, they had a daughter, Carol Joy, and two more sons, Jack William and Bruce Jerome. Charles farmed cotton, corn and milo, baled hay, ran a dairy and helped his father-in-law, Max Schubert, at his cotton gin. He was interested in improving the profession of milk producers and served as secretary of the American Milk Producers Incorporated. He raised registered Guernsey dairy cows and showed these cattle at various dairy days and county fairs across Texas. He also won Grand Champion Heifer at the Houston Livestock Show. Later, after retiring from the dairy, he transitioned into ranching. Charles worked extremely hard to provide for his family and loved the land and his surrounding community. He was deeply devoted to his church, the First United Methodist Church in Sealy, where he served on the Lord's Acre/Hour Program, Methodist Men's Club and as a church board member. In addition to his family and church, he was one of the founding fathers of the Austin County Fair Association, holding the office of fair president for many years and ending his tenure as fair manager. He was tremendously proud of the fair, and its growth, development and increased opportunities for the youth of the county. Relevant to the fair, he supported the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, serving as chairman of the Austin County Go Texan Committee and chairman of the Hay Hauling Contest. During these years, Charles and his wife, Lillie, were members of the Austin County Square Dance Team on Horseback and the Austin County Emergency Unit. Community involvement did not end with his church, fair and rodeo. He was highly involved with his three sons in the Boy Scouts of America, during which time he achieved the Silver Beaver Award, served on the District Committee of the David Crockett District and was scout master to many in Sealy Troup 557. The boys remember many trips to El Rancho Cima, Camp Strake and his own campsite on the Mill Creek for scout camp-outs and jubilees. In addition to his involvement in scouts, he served on the Austin County School Board. This board governed the county rural schools prior to their incorporation into the Sealy and Bellville School Districts. He was a member of the parent teacher association, served on the Millcreek Drainage District and was involved with the Austin County Gun Club, Order of the Sons of Hermann and Woodmen of the World. Throughout the years, Charles was loved by many friends and family, spent many hours with them hunting, fishing, barbecuing, and playing cards and dominos. He was a loving husband, devoted father and faithful friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fritz Charles and Hermina Brandes; brother, Owen Otto Brandes; and sister, Leah Virginia Brandes McCamy. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lillie; sister, Vivian Janette "Biddy" McIntyre and husband Daniel; sister-in-law, Kathryn Brandes; sons, Charles Waddel Brandes and wife Barbara, Jack William Brandes and wife Sharon and Bruce Jerome Brandes and wife Jacquelyn; daughter, Carol Joy Ray and husband Gary; grandchildren, Tracey Ann Brandes O'Neil and husband Jim, Charles Mason Brandes and fianc/ Angela Leschper, Stacy Troy Brandes and wife Kaarin, Darren Lee Brandes, Jeffrey William Brandes and wife Jennifer, Jody Meredith Lezak Chesshir and husband Max, Benn David Copeland and wife Kenia, Charles "Trey" Copeland III and wife Amy, Nicolas Rion Brandes and Stephen Travis Brandes; great-grandchildren, Ashley Brandes Aguilar and husband David, Charles Mason Brandes Jr., Tyler Mazac, Leah Brandes, Sydney Brandes, Joshua Brandes, Claire Copeland, Grace Copeland, Ethan Copeland, Jarrett Brandes, Grayson Brandes, Lauren Chesshir, Jenna O'Neil, Brennan Brandes, Brianna Brandes and Baylee Brandes; and great-great grandchildren, Brooklyn and Lillianna Aguilar. Charles William Brandes was dearly loved and looked up to by his grandchildren, who called him, "Poppa". There are many stories they have shared over and over about their "Poppa" that will keep them laughing for hours. He gave them one of the best gifts in life - his time. They all helped him on his farm at one time or another. He had many funny sayings, such as "root hog or die" during meals and told stories of riding his horse, Rosenwassa, to school while getting involved in many escapades. They remember one special saying he taught them: "A man is as good as his word." He survived many animal attacks and farm injuries, turning each incident into a funny story for his grandchildren. He was their John Wayne and Rambo all rolled into one. He will remain a vivid memory in the lives of all his family members forever. Funeral services were held under the direction of Knesek Brothers Funeral Chapel, 768 Fourth St., Sealy, Texas 77474, (979) 885-3535. |
|
Brandes
Charles William "CW"
14318
|