Charles Robert Gustus, Jr. of Sealy, TX passed away Sunday, May 23, 2021, at the age of 81 in Columbus, TX.

He was born January 25, 1940, in Dansville, IL, and raised in Fountain/Warren Counties, IN, and graduated from Williamsport High School where he also farmed with his parents to include dairy and crops.

Life took Charlie in many directions with many jobs and addresses, giving him a lot of experience and interests. In 1975, he moved to Sealy, TX where he later met and married his “Sweetheart” and “Love of His Life” Sandra in 1983.

Charlie worked for Sealy’s mayor as Ranch Foreman and at Oak Farms Dairy, afterward, working at a local machine shop until retirement. He then started his own hotshot business, where he was happiest. When the hotshot business started to taper off, he transitioned to pilot car, until full retirement at the age of 79.

Charlie had great faith and was a member of First Baptist Church in Bellville, TX. He loved the Lord and had a personal relationship with his Jesus. He enjoyed his and Sandra’s morning Bible readings and devotionals with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cinnamon roll in the other. Charlie had a great love for boating, old cars, motorcycles/ scooters, golf with his children and grandchildren, and anyone that wanted to go for a ride, play a round of golf, or just trade stories. He loved traveling, date night, eating out at favorite restaurants or trying new ones, and even just throwing ribs on the grill. He dearly loved his grandchildren and, on most occasions, could find him in the bleachers, gym, or auditorium attending their sporting events and other school activities.

Over the years, Charlie met many people, had a lot of friends, and his family grew. He wore many different hats and had many different names, such as Charlie Bob, CB, Sweetheart, Dad, and Papi. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Charlie is survived by his wife Sandra Travis Gustus of 38 years, daughter Jill Ann Gustus Doyle and Don Barclay of Atlanta, GA, son and daughter-in-law Gregory Todd Gustus and Christina of Winder, GA, son Randy Scott Gustus of Rock Island, TX, son and daughter-in-law Rodney Alan Gustus and Bobbie Lynn of Columbus, TX, daughter and son-in-law Rikki Leigh Vacek and Darren of Bellville, TX, Brenda Keller, Debbie Morris and Valerie Crane, grandchildren Levi Jasper Gustus, Bailey Rae Gustus, Blayne Christopher Writer, Reid Darren Vacek, Cale Travis Vacek, Tate Ethan Vacek, Jordan Wesley Kutach and great-granddaughter Zoey Lynne Kutach, sister and brother-in-law Myrna Wolf and Jim of Attica, IN, sister and brother-in-law Marilyn Foster and John of Williamsport, IN, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Linda Buro and Roger of Brenham, TX, sister-in-law Shirley Flisowski of Bellville, TX, brother-in-law Richard Travis, Jr. of Bellville, TX and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gary Travis and Alys of Bellville, and many nieces and nephews.

Charlie was preceded in death by his father and stepmother Charles Robert Gustus, Sr. and Mae, mother and stepfather Alwilda Pheneger Pattengale and William Thomas, brother John William Pattengale, sister Carol Gustus Tague, infant baby girl Gustus, and grandson Preston Kutach.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund.