This is the story of Charles Xavier "Charlie" Chapa. Charlie was a charismatic, witty, and gregarious man with a heart of gold and a personality to match. His infectious laugh and beaming smile were certain to fill any room and resonate in all who were near. Charlie passed away on March 21 ^st, with his family at his side. His passing has left an immense void in our lives, and we pray that those who knew and loved him will find solace in his memory and carry him in their hearts.

Charlie was preceded in death by his father, Alejandro Chapa, Jr, his mother, Aurora Chapa Taylor, brother, Edward "Eddie" Chapa, paternal grandparents, Dolores and Alejandro Chapa Sr., and maternal grandparents, Estefana and Carlos Rodriguez.  He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Norma Jean Chapa, daughter, Alexandra Chapa, son, Kenneth Jay Reyna (Lisa), brother, Roland Chapa (Debbie), brother, Alex Chapa (Blanche), sister-in-law, Mary Chapa, numerous nieces and nephews, and a large extended family that adored him.

Thoughts and memories of him fill our hearts with peace, and we pray these memories will help us find healing during this trying time.   He will remain in our hearts and give us the courage we need to forge forward without the assuring beacon of light that he unquestionably was.  We will honor him and his legacy at every moment and hope to make him proud. His guidance, advice, life lessons, and silly jokes will live on in us as testament of his dedication to being a great husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and of course-an amazing cook!

Charlie's story began on May 17 ^th , 1954, when he was born to Alejandro and Aurora Chapa in Corpus Christi, Texas.  In 1972, he graduated from Mary Carroll High School where he made many lifelong friends. His competitive nature and ability earned him a football scholarship to Colorado State. He later transferred to Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos and made the Texas Hill Country his home in the mid 70-80's. Charlie went on to co-own two successful restaurants - The Courtyard and Botticelli's in downtown Austin.  After numerous successful years as a restaurateur, he moved back to his hometown where he met his wife, Norma and stepson, Jay.  Four years later, Alexandra, his "angel face," was born, and Charlie felt complete and immeasurably fulfilled.

Charlie was a huge fan of the Houston Astros and the Dallas Cowboys and looked forward to hours of fun watching games, but it was not unusual to hear him root for the underdog. His love of sports would later lead him to become an umpire for local high school baseball teams. He relished being a part of the game he loved so much.

Charlie was equally passionate about his career, and his flair for business was evident in all his endeavors. Charlie made his mark in the auto industry where he received numerous awards and national recognition for his salesmanship.  He later served as finance director for several local dealerships including, Padre Ford & Mazda, Love Chrysler, and Corpus Christi BMW.  In 2010, he was presented with an opportunity he could not turn down.  He helped his brother Eddie and sister-in-law Mary open a small community theatre named after their late mother, Aurora.  After the untimely death of Eddie in 2011, Charlie's commitment and belief in his brother's dream insured that Eddie's legacy would live on.  Charlie channeled his efforts and dedicated his time to the Aurora Arts Theatre and its continued success. His pre-show announcements and introductions will be forever fixed in our memory, as he was truly a master of setting the stage and readying audiences for an amazing experience. His love for theatre grew, and that love would soon lead him to accept a role for an upcoming play - The Producers.  He was a natural! It must be said, he loved the stage, and the stage loved him.  He may have missed his calling!

Charlie's life epitomized positivity, respect, and the pursuit of one's dreams. His favorite saying was "believe you can or believe you can't, either way you're right". His positive contributions and positive influence upon so many, assures that he will always be remembered as an integral figure in our community whose memory we will treasure.

We sincerely thank everyone for their prayers and continued support during this difficult time.  In addition, we wholeheartedly thank Dr. Stephen Turner for his friendship and the care he provided for so many years. To the nurses and staff doctors at Doctor's Regional, we are grateful for the excellent medical care and emotional support you offered during our stay at the hospital.  We are forever indebted.

"Charlie, you were truly one of a kind and the memories and love you gave all of us will continue to live on. Rest in Peace, Charlie, Chuck, Tuti. Until we meet again, we bid you farewell. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic church 5830 Williams Dr. followed by a reception at the Parish Hall.