Charles Howe Rothwell

Howe Charles “Chuck” Rothwell of April Sound died May 29 at Conroe Regional Medical Center after a short illness. He was 88. Chuck was born Oct. 29, 1926 in Los Angeles, California, to Howe Charles Sr. and Esta Fern Mills Rothwell. He grew up in southern California and loved to surf, build and race cars and hunt. Chuck entered the U.S. Merchant Marines in 1943, serving until 1947. After his service, he attended Los Angeles City College and joined Burke Concrete Accessories in 1949. He worked there for many years, advancing to vice president of operations and retiring in 1979. It was in 1980 that Chuck married the love of his life, Shirley. They moved to April Sound in 1987, and as much as he enjoyed work, Chuck was surprised to find he also loved retirement. He was a fantastic golfer and tennis player and he and Shirley enjoyed traveling and spending time with their many friends. They were also active in Lions Club. Chuck was preceded in death by his father, Howe Charles Sr.; mother, Esta Menikheim; and daughter, Elaine Williams. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Shirley; children, Traci Chapman and husband Alan, Steven Rothwell and wife Annette, Larry Williams and Judy Brummett; and grandson, Travis Miller; dearest friends Dean and Connie Hones and Bob and Linda Blakely; and so many more wonderful friends and neighbors. Those are the facts of Chuck’s life. But there was so much more to him. Smart, handsome, loyal, funny, stubborn, driven – those are all words that describe Chuck Rothwell. He was the most loyal of friends; if Chuck loved you, he loved you completely. That love was no better expressed than with Shirley. Their relationship was an inspiration not only to their daughter, but also to all of their friends. Even during Chuck’s final days, those who cared for him were moved by the love and devotion they shared. If there was anyone Chuck loved nearly as much as Shirley, it was his grandson, Travis – “the kid” – who is so much like him in so many ways. The two shared a special bond that enriched both of their lives. Although Chuck’s illness was a difficult one, it was made brighter by two people who went beyond “healthcare service.” Katie Lawrence and Emmanuel Mwaka were more than nurses – they changed our lives and became family in the process. We are forever in their debt. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 5, at April Sound Church.

Charles Howe Rothwell

October 29, 1926 - May 29, 2015