Charles Leslie Whynot, 88, went home to be with our Savior on Monday, July 28th, 2014. He was born on December 11^th, 1925 in Beaumont, Texas. Charles is preceded in death by his father, Charles Henry Whynot; mother, Sibyl Kouchoucos; step-father, Mike Kouchoucos; his beloved wife of 65 years, Billie Whynot; daughters Susie Overton and Connie Whynot. He is survived by his daughter Deanie Whynot; son Mike and wife Teri Whynot; son Stephen Whynot; daughter-in-law Kimberly Whynot; grandchildren Trey, Cary, Kristi, Michael, Summer, Chris, Ryan, Taylor, Sydney and Olivia; great-grandchildren Bailey, Nicholas, Makenzie, Carter, Parks, Savannah, Avienne and Tabitha.

 Charles grew up in Beaumont and as a young man proudly served his country by enlisting in the Army. He served in the second infantry division during World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Following his service to his country, he and Billie started a family and ran a successful furniture business in Beaumont. His love for the space program led him to move his family to the Clear Lake area. Charles launched his visionary career path as the founder of Space City Realtors and later Alliance Commercial Investments. He was instrumental in developing Nassau Bay and Clear Lake into thriving communities and was honored with the affectionately dubbed name, “Mr. Clear Lake.” His heart for growth in the community did not stop there. His community service includes starting the Clear Lake chapter of the Palmer Drug Abuse Program for young adults, one of the first organizing directors of the Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation, the first organizing director of the Clear Lake YMCA, the first benefactor to establish a scholarship fund at University of Houston Clear Lake, a director of both the Pasadena National Bank and First Community Bank, and his long standing memberships as a charter member of the Rotary Club and the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. His relationship with Jesus Christ and commitment to his church could be seen in his everyday life as his home was always open for mentoring, praise, worship and fellowship.

 Charles raised five children with his devoted wife Billie. Their home was a haven to many with welcoming arms and unconditional love. His personality was bigger than life; his constant smile and infectious laugh could always be heard throughout their home. His greatest joys came from big extended family gatherings outside by the pool and Christmas season in the Colorado Room. His stories of being at the Apollo 11 launch, astronaut friends and his love for space will be cherished, and visions of him always dancing a little jig will forever be in our hearts. Acts 20:35 says, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than receive.’ ” Charles honored this verse with all his heart as he gave so much to his community, family and friends; we rejoice as he spends the rest of his days in the presence of our Holy Father.

 Visitation will be Thursday, July 31, 2014 from 6-8pm at Crowder Funeral Home at 111 E. Medical Center Blvd., Webster, TX 77598. Funeral service will be on Friday, August 1st at 10am at Bay Area First Baptist Church, 4800 W. Main St. League City, TX 77573 with J. Morris officiating. Graveside service will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery at 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texas 77598.

 Pallbearers are Michael Borkert-Whynot, Chris Whynot, Ryan Whynot, Trey Smith, Cary Smith and Taylor Lake.