Charles J. Werlla, Jr. was born January 11, 1929, in Rosenberg, Texas to parents Charles and Pearl Werlla. Early in Charles' childhood, his father moved the family to a cotton farm located on Big Creek in Pleak, Texas. This is where Charles grew up. His lifelong love for music began when his mother Pearl taught him to play piano. His lifelong admiration and respect for the land originated from that cotton farm.

As a young man, Charles attended the University of Texas, earning a degree in Music Education in December 1950. He played cornet in the Texas Longhorn Band. Charles was a Life Member of the Texas Ex association.

On a visit home from the University, he met Virginia Bushnell whom he later married on February 4, 1951. They were married 66 years and raised their two children in Rosenberg, Texas.

His first job after graduation from the University was teaching school in East Bernard, Texas. From there, he moved to the Lamar School District where he taught music and served as the junior high school band director. He drove a school bus every morning and evening to supplement his income. He told the story of an unruly student who had to be removed from his bus – that being B. J. Thomas, who became a widely recognized pop singer.

He attended the University of Houston at night and completed his Master of Education in 1955.

While teaching school, he and his brother, Walter (Ross) created a partnership and began farming part time. After twelve years of teaching, Charles and Ross decided to farm full time. The next thirty-five years they successfully farmed rice in Fort Bend County and Brazoria County. Later, they expanded their operation into Matagorda County and added cattle into their business model. Until Charles' death, he was still actively involved in the farming and ranching business.

Charles was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 881. On June 16, 2023, he was recognized for seventy years of service to that organization and his fellow man.

Charles earned his private pilot license in 1963 and enjoyed flying as a hobby. He also enjoyed fishing. Charles, Ross and their father built a cabin at Sargent, Texas and would spend many weekends fishing East Matagorda Bay. Later when Matagorda Harbor was created, he rented space in the harbor, moved in a trailer and his boat and fished out of Matagorda, Texas, for the rest of his life.

Another hobby of his was traveling and taking cruises. After his children left home, he and Virginia traveled extensively – seeing Egypt, Israel, Italy, Europe and Canada.

Charles grew up in the First Methodist Church of Rosenberg and in 1970 transferred his membership to the First United Methodist Church, Houston, Texas. He loved the Lord and lived his entire life in service to Jesus Christ. Anyone who met Charles would not hear a sermon but see a sermon from the way he lived his life. He believed that children should be given a chance in life and supported The Methodist Children's Home in Waco, Texas, and Neighbors in Action in the Port of Houston.

Charles is preceded in death by his father Charles and mother Pearl; and his wife Virginia. He is survived by his children, Hunter Zigmond Werlla and Vanessa Werlla, MD and their spouses Rebecca Werlla and Richard Noulles; his brother Walter (Ross); grandchildren: Mary (Noulles) Sloss and husband Richard Sloss, Sarah Noulles, Rebekah Noulles-Smith and husband Chris Smith, and Hunter Zachary Werlla; great grandchildren: Ricky and Pearl Sloss, Cassidy and Charles Noulles-Kapp, Macarleigh and Lucy Noulles-Smith.

The family wishes to thank his caregivers Dolores Rodriquez, Lola Martinez, Mary Jane Rodriquez, Maria Esquivel and Dora Comacho.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Charles' memory to The Methodist Children's Home, Waco, Texas (mch.org) or Neighbors in Action, Houston, Texas (neighborsinaction.com).

Charles passed away peacefully on June 27, 2024, and his funeral arrangements are being handled by Garmany and Carden Funeral Directors, Rosenberg, Texas.

A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 2 PM at the First United Methodist Church, 1320 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002.

Condolence messages may be written for the Werlla family at www.garmanycarden.com

Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 4th Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671).