Tributes

Charles Thomas Kuhnel (Charlie) was a native Texan, born in San Antonio on December 29, 1952. He and his brother, Don (12/29/1950), shared the same birthday. As it happens December 29, 1845, was also the day that Texas became the 28th state of the United States. Charlie was always proud to be a Texan. Charlie was always a brilliant, caring, and creative man. Foremost, Charlie was a musician. He played bass, upright bass, guitar, and ukulele (both electric and acoustic). He had a beautiful speaking and singing voice. From a young age he taught himself how to play the guitar and from then on wanted to be a "rockstar". He played in bands all through high school at the Teen Canteen, and into his adult life. Playing in several bands including Dusty Roads, the Lee Thomas Duo, and Blues Crafters. Much to his father's chagrin he liked to wear his hair long like all the famous rock stars. He originally went to SAC to study music but dropped out realizing that music, while his passion, would likely not be able to support him financially. He eventually returned to college at Sam Houston State where he graduated with a degree in Industrial Technology and a minor in music. During his young life and till the end, he was always a resourceful man. He used to tell his daughter Evie how he lived in a small room above some people's garage for a while for only $250 a month. Charlie always said: He could fix a rainy day. He was competent in electrical work, wood working, plumbing (not his favorite), mechanics, and stain glass. There were very few times that we had to call a repairman. He was the repairman. After College he worked briefly for the United States Postal Service, repairing the sorting machines and such. That is where he transitioned into working as a civil servant for the Air Force Research Labs at Brooks Airforce Base and later Fort Sam Houston. While in their Radio Frequency Labs, he helped to design software, built a robotic arm and designed a thermistor to facilitate research, and helped to design a radar dish that is still used on Humvees today. He retired with 33 years of civil service for the Department of Defense. He was a proud American as well as Texan, though he would tell you, "Texas is the best country in the United States." Charlie married the love of his life Donna, on April 17, 1999, and was soon blessed with a daughter (Evie) on July 12, 2000. He loved his family. Every year they took a family trip to South Padre Island, and at home he spent many summers in the pool with his daughter. The house was always filled with the sound of his guitar and laughter from the jokes he would tell. A father to not just his daughter but many of her friends that would often be over at the house. He supported the charities that Donna was involved with like Meals on Wheels. Charlie was an amazing man, caring father, and loving husband. He will be truly missed by everyone whose lives were lucky enough to cross paths with his own. He leaves behind his wife, Donna, daughter, Evie and her husband Cam, his brothers Don (and Pat), David (and Katherine), sister, Loris Shuler (and Barry), sister-in-law, Debbie, and many nephews, nieces, cousins, Aunt Gracie Hans, and Aunt Charlene and Uncle Tom Lanum. He was preceded by his father Vernon Joseph Kuhnel, his mother Laura Mary Henke Kuhnel, and his brother Clarence Joseph Kuhnel.

Tributes

Charles Thomas Kuhnel (Charlie)

December 29, 1952 - February 5, 2026