Charles Wesley Wilson, 77, of Houston, Texas passed away on the 10th of May 2018.
As private as he was in his life, so was he in death too, passing away quietly in his sleep.

Charles, Chas, Charlie, Dad, Papa and Shorty are just some of the affectionate names he went by, but he often and endearingly referred to himself as the “Last of the Mohicans.”

Boasting having never been admitted to a hospital ever, Charles was born at home in Ardmore, Oklahoma on April 8, 1941. He led a very healthy, robust life, virtually never sick, and peacefully passed away at home in Houston. Born the second child to the late Roy Leon Wilson and Iva Pauline Kirby Wilson of Ardmore Oklahoma, he is survived by his older sister, Ann Louise Smith of Irving Texas.

A simple but brilliant man, he was fond of reading, crossword puzzles, travel, music, sport, nature, food and drink.

Growing up, he was popular with his peers, athletic and intelligent. An astute abider of rules, he made straight A's and held a certificate of perfect attendance. He was known fondly in his high school yearbook as the “Kissing Captain,” with the ability to charm the women and command respect from the men. With pride, he always looked forward to his next school reunion.

As a young boy growing up in Ardmore, he taught himself how to draw and spent his time illustrating animals and action figures. A natural born performer, he was never short for a story or expression. He learned how to play guitar and had an uncanny ability to recite the lyrics to countless songs. Always the showman, throughout his adult life he would continue his animated performances, always equipped with a joke and ready to dance, he was a welcomed presence anywhere and the life of a party.

Honesty was one of his greatest virtues, but he had many. He was a man of a strong work ethic, dedication, and moral fortitude. In his youth he was very active in his church at Ardmore Emmanuel, and continued throughout his life to set an exemplary example of righteousness while remaining unjudgmental, fair minded and extremely generous.

Having been a bright student in math, a teacher advised him of a career in engineering. Upon graduating high school in 1959, Charles enrolled in the University of Oklahoma and became a lifelong proud Sooner. During his college education, he served in the Army for 2 years, and eventually graduated with a BS degree 1966. He was a Chemical Engineer in the oil industry for over 40 years, and had always bragged that it allowed him the fortunate opportunity to travel the world.

Always athletic, he loved sport. He was a long-time avid golfer, exercised faithfully, spent years in a bowling league, and in youth excelled in football and pole vaulting. He also served as a mentor to his son’s athletic aspirations, and for a short time coached a youth league baseball team. He enjoyed fantasy football and horse racing, and loved puzzles, a good game of darts or Hearts, and was almost always up for a lively and spirited debate.

He will be so sorely missed by those who loved him. He leaves behind his sister, Ann Louise Smith, his children Sonya Kay Wilson, Clinton Neil Wilson, and Sophia Lynn Wilson Forrester, his grandchildren Jacob Gavin Forrester, Wesley Thomas Forrester, Zachary William Forrester, Azaliyah Hampton, Hayla Elizabeth Wilson, and Iva Theresa Wilson, his former wife Sharon Wilson, his son-in-law John Forrester, his daughter-in-law Arnetta Wilson, all of his friends, and his partner and companion for nearly 2 decades, Diane Howell.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, June 9th from 1-5 pm at R&R Sports Bar, 1840 Barker Cypress Rd, Houston, TX 77084.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles Wesley Wilson, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.