Charles Leonard Strawther , son of Aaron Nealy and Gracie Standley Strawther, was a descendant of a Texas Pioneer family whom history recognizes as on of Austin’s “Old Three Hundred” He was born January 3, 1938 in Madison County, Texas. He graduated from Madisonville High School, where he was a high school athlete. He played basketball at Sam Houston State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He also earned a Master’s Degree from Southern Methodist University.
Charles became a member of the First United Methodist Church of Madisonville at an early age. As a youth, he was active in Sunday School and MYF. As an adult, he served on the Board of Stewards and various committees for many years. He was the Sunday School Teacher for the Men’s Friendly Bible Class for approximately 20 years. He also served as President of the Methodist Men’s Prayer Breakfast group for more than fifteen years. In recognition of his leadership and Christian values, the Methodist Men presented Charles the “Widows Mite Award’. This award honors one who has shown dedication to serve God’s people with Grace.
In the mid-1950’s, he organized the first Little League Baseball Program in Madisonville which continues to the present day. Always interested in athletics and local youth, he later became a teacher, a coach and an assistant principal in the Madisonville Consolidated Independent School District.
Beginning his 35 year banking career at the old Farmer’s State Bank in Madisonville in 1971, Charles earned a well-deserved reputation as a banker who possessed knowledge, ethics, and compassion. He served as President of the Centerville State Bank, President of First Bank of Navasota and as President of First Bank of Madisonville over the years. He retired from Wells Fargo Bank, but later returned to the banking profession when he accepted a position in public relations with the Corsicana National Bank and at the Community National Bank in Buffalo. Because of his quick wit and sense of humor, he was well known and respected by his fellow bankers.
Always active in community organizations, Charles served the citizens of Madison County with dedication. He served on the Board of Directors and as President of the Madisonville Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors of the Brazos Valley American Red Cross, Chairman of the local chapter of the Red Cross, Chairman of the local chapter of the Salvation Army, Board of Directors of the Oak Ridge Country Club, member of the Madisonville Consolidated Independent School Board, and secretary-treasurer of the Madisonville Sidewalk Cattleman’s Association for seven years. He was also a member of thee MHS Scholarship Committee and promoted and sponsored the Area Youth Rodeo. He served as President of the Greater Leon County Chamber of Commerce where he had many friends.
Charles was selected as the East Texas Business Man of the Year by the USDA Natural Conservation District. He was honored in Nacogdoches by that organization with a visual presentation of numerous contributions to East Texas.
In 1960, Charles married Patsy Jane Westmoreland at the First Baptist Church of Madisonville with Reverend T.R. Wagstaff performing the ceremony. They were blessed with one daughter, Jane. Recognized as a man of character, he was a beloved son and a loving husband, father and grandfather who was devoted to his family.
Charles is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patsy , his daughter, Jane, son-in-law, Scott Knapik, and grandson, Charles Baylor Knapik. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Davie Westmoreland, nephew Richard P. Westmoreland, Jr., niece Debra Westmoreland, three great-nephews Patrick and Randy Westmoreland and William Wakefield; three great-nieces, Victoria Forrest, Cody and Meredith Parrish, numerous cousins and many dear friends.
Funeral services are set for 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 25, at the First United Methodist Church of Madisonville with Rev. Hiram Lee Jones officiating. Burial will be in the Madisonville City Cemetery. Visitation is from 5:00 pm. to 8:00 pm. Tuesday and from 9:00 am to 12 noon Wednesday at the funeral home.
Serving as pallbearers are Thomas Adams, Kenneth Andrews, David Callaham, Jerry Fannin, Jeff Farris, Dr. Bob Jones, Sonny Knight, John Mallard, Charles Park and Kenneth Standley. Honorary pallbearers were his grandson, Charles Baylor Knapik and great nephews, Patrick Westmoreland, Randle Westmoreland and William Westmoreland Wakefield.
Madisonville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Facts
Born: January 3, 1938Death: April 23, 2012
Place of Death: Madisonville, Texas
Services
Visitation
Tuesday
April 24, 2012, 5:00 pm
- 8:00 pm
at
Madisonville Funeral Home
Click for Map and Directions
Funeral Services
Wednesday
April 25, 2012, 2:00 pm.
at
First United Methodist Church
Click for Map and Directions
Burial
Wednesday
April 25, 2012
at
Madisonville City Cemetery
Click for Map and Directions