Charles Carol Petry

Charles Carol Petry, 86, of Vidor, Texas, passed away on January 8, 2025, at his home in Vidor. 

 Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 13, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Ron Perry. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Orange.

 Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 13, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

 Born in Indian Bayou, Louisiana on August 5, 1938, he was the son of Kitchell Petry and Stella Faulk Petry. Charles lived a life dedicated to service, both in his career and personal pursuits. He graduated from Little Cypress High School in 1957. After graduating, Charles served honorably in the United States Army, where he exemplified commitment and integrity, qualities that would carry forward into his professional life and community engagements and led to him serving at the Pentagon during this time. A devoted IT supervisor for Gulf States Utilities, Charles was known for his technical expertise and problem-solving abilities, earning the respect of his colleagues and peers throughout his career. He worked for Gulf States for 32 years, only leaving after retirement. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Charles had a deep passion for nature and the outdoors. An avid gardener, he took exceptional joy tending to flowers and cultivating his garden. His love for gardening was further exemplified through his membership in the Orchid Club. Charles also had a profound appreciation for birds, proudly belonging to the Audubon Society. Traveling was another of Charles's great loves. He embraced the opportunity to explore new places, often sharing tales of his adventures upon returning home. His favorite place to travel to on vacation was Colorado, specifically “the Switzerland of America”, Ouray. His curiosity about the world around him was matched by an enjoyment of leisure activities such as hunting and collecting firearms, hobbies that brought him great fulfillment and joy. Because of his love of travel, he was known as the one to go to for information about various areas at Gulf States because he knew the best places for families to go for a great time. He even had brochures for different family friendly vacation places in his desk drawer. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

 He is preceded in death by his parents, Kitchell and Stella Petry; his sons, Charles “Chuck” Clinton Petry, and Jerrod Brent Petry; his first wife, Jerry Faye Petry; and his brother, Boyd Petry.

 He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Charlotte Petry; his daughter, Tara Crowson and husband, John; his grandchildren, Lanie Crowson, and Lindse Crowson; his great-grandchild, Wyatt Dugas; his sister, Peggy Davis and husband, Robert, of Fort Worth; and numerous other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, family members and friends.

 Serving as pallbearers will be Lance Glawson, Tyron Glawson, Robert Mann, Gordon Bonin, Jim Jones, and Duane Lummus. Honorary pallbearers are John Crowson, Wyatt Dugas, Jimmie Crowson, Drake Lummus, Billy Bowsher, Charles Brinson, Jr., Charles Brinson III (Trey), Sean Brinson, and Jonathon Breaux.