Charles, or Charlie to those that knew him, was born on Oct. 3, 1937, in a farmhouse outside of Yoakum, Texas. He grew up in Yoakum and could often be found on the banks of the Guadalupe River with his father, Frank, setting throw lines. They pulled many fish from that river, and fishing became a true passion for Charlie throughout his life.

At the age of 14, Charlie picked up a guitar for the first time. By 16 years old, he was playing rhythm guitar in his first band. Though he never went on to become the next Gene Autry or Johnny Cash, he was a natural-born entertainer, and the music was always with him. Charlie could always be counted on to take out his guitar and bring a few songs to parties and weddings.

At 18, his sister Mary Ann helped get him a job with the Southern Pacific Railroad. He continued to work on the railroad with passion and dedication for 44 years before retiring in 2001. He only took a break early in his career to serve his country in the U.S. Army for two years, then the Army Reserve for four more where he made the rank of Staff Sergeant. Charlie made many friends throughout his time on the railroad and organized annual railroad reunions for over a decade.

■ HERCHEK, 7 In 1966, Charlie married the love of his life, Annie Drabek from Schulenburg, uniting the Herchek and the Drabek families. Annie and Charlie spent the next 59 years together working hard and raising a strong family of three boys.

After retirement, Charlie continued to enjoy his guitar, hunting, fishing, quality time with his wife, and tending to the pastures with his dog Sam by his side. Answering the call to steward God’s creation, he also raised up a beautiful and vibrant garden year after year, specializing in Celebrity tomatoes. One particularly good year, he raised over a ton of vegetables— 1200 pounds of which were his tomatoes. Passionate about his garden, as he was with all of his work, he always loved showing family and friends his plants and giving “free tours” of his garden.

Charlie lived a full Catholic life and will be deeply missed. But more than that, he will be remembered for the joy he brought to our lives and the legacy he leaves behind.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Frank & Lillian (Friedel) Herchek, his brother Milam Herchek, his sister Mary Ann La Blanc; his sistersin law Dorothy Herchek, Justine Rolirad, Virgie Drabek; and his brothersin- law John Dickinson, L.J. Vacek and Probe La Blanc.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years Annie; his children Billy (Beth) Herchek, Travis Herchek, and Robert Herchek; and his grandchildren Emily Herchek, Evan Herchek, and Lillian Herchek; and many beloved nieces and nephews whom he cared for very deeply.

Visitation will be at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 5-7 p.m., followed by the Rosary at 7 p.m.

Funeral Service will be at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Columbus, Texas on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. Fr. James Dvorak will be officiating.

Pallbearers are Weldon “Bud” Herchek, Jeff Dickinson, Andy Rolirad, Roland Vacek, Roy Drabek and Terry Woodward.

Memorials may be given to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.

com.