Charles Russell Heintzelman

June 12, 1954 ~ July 18, 2023 (age 69)

Charles Russell Heintzelman was born on June 12, 1954, to Elmer and Gertrude Heintzelman in
Hancock, Michigan. His father, who served in the Coast Guard, passed away when Chuck was
twelve years old. At the age of sixteen, Chuck lost his mother. In 1970, Jim, Chuck’s older
brother and Larry, his younger brother, moved with him from Michigan to Big Lake, Texas, to
live with their aunt Almina and uncle Arnold Storey. Chuck attended Reagan County High School
in Big Lake before graduating from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Science degree
and a Master of Education degree. After teaching for a few years, Chuck established a career
working forty years for Riggs Machine and Welding in Stephenville, Texas. Chuck was a Master
Mason and a member of First Baptist Church of Stephenville where he helped in the nursery
and drove the church van, transporting the seniors and disabled, for forty years. Chuck kept a
diary for thirty years; every day he began the entry with “It was a good day”. It is also a record
of the many friends who considered him to be part of their families. He documented every
phone call, visit, gift, dinner, and activity. He cherished his friends and family and treated
everyone with kindness and love. Chuck is survived by his brother Jim and his wife Pat of
Beaumont, Texas, his brother Larry and his wife Debbie of Wall, Texas, as well as his nieces and
nephews and long-time friends. On July 18, 2023, Chuck went to be with his Lord and “It was a
good day.” The family thanks Chuck’s nurses for their dedication in caring for him. The nurses
commented that they were amazed at his generous kindness and positive attitude.