Charles Melvin Striedel, 84, of Yoakum and formerly Cuero peacefully passed away in his home surrounded by his family on May 2, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Victoria County to the late Johnnie Albert Striedel and Elsie Clara Kirchner Striedel. Charles was a member of the United States Army and served as a paratrooper. After his honorable discharge from the Army Reserves, he met and married the love of his life, Joyce St.Clair Striedel, on September 21, 1964. He was a Master Mason in the Masonic Lodge 409 of Cuero and a baptized member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Yoakum.
Charles grew up in a large family with five brothers and five sisters. He often reminisced about the hard work on the family farm but the great rewards and love that went along with it. His childhood had a huge impact on his outlook in life. He was hard working and expected perfection from himself and encouraged that in others. He had a long career in the oil industry starting at the very bottom and working his way up to Vice President of Deepwater Drilling for Global Santa Fe at the time of his retirement. His career took him all over the world living in multiple countries. No one ever had to wonder where they stood with him because he was not afraid to voice his opinion. He was well respected by those who worked alongside him with one recently saying, “He was truly a dear friend and mentor to me whom I will cherish and miss forever.”
Although living around the world was quite the adventure for him, he was happiest in his retirement, concentrating on his ranch and family. He was an avid gun collector and hunter who shared his passion for hunting with his grandchildren. Charles had a larger-than-life personality. He was born to be a grandfather and was proud to say he was happy to spoil all the children in his life. He was fiercely protective of his family and was the epitome of a family patriarch always willing to do any projects requested of him. He was quick witted and loved to cook with his wife. Sunday dinners were treasured traditions.
In addition to his wife of 60 years, Charles is survived by his son, Charles Melvin Striedel II of Austin; his daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Dekowski and husband, Donovan of Yoakum; grandsons, Geoffrey Striedel (Bridget) of Cuero and Devan Dekowski (Dalena) of Yoakum; granddaughters, Catherine Jimenea (Jay) of Houston and Lindsey Sobarzo (Daniel) of Yoakum; great-grandsons, Brody Striedel, Hudson and Hayden Dekowski, and Charlie Sobarzo; great granddaughters, Everleigh Dekowski, Olivia Striedel, Anna and Olivia Jimenea; brothers, Roland Striedel (Patsy) of Cuero, Anthony “Butch” Striedel (MaryAnn) of Yoakum; sisters, Barbara Warzecha (the late Vincent) of Cuero, and Susan Wade (Joel) of Waco, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Johnnie “Sonny” Striedel, Norman Striedel and Dalton Striedel; sisters, Roberta Jean Shows, Dorothy Lane and Sharon Strain.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm in Cuero on Saturday, May 10, 2025, with Pastor Brian St. Clair officiating. A masonic funeral will be held immediately following the service. Interment will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery.
Pallbearers will include Devan Dekowski, Geoffrey Striedel, Daniel Sobarzo, Marion Woolie, Fred Brooks, Richard “Scooter” Lane, Mark Lane, Darren Strain, Forrest Striedel, Brody Striedel and Hudson Dekowski.
Honorary pallbearers include Lindsey Sobarzo, Catherine Jimenea, Charlie Sobarzo, Cynthia Rother, Everleigh and Hayden Dekowski.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Yoakum or Cuero Pet Adoptions.