Charles Schuler

Charles Schuler Obituary

Charlie was born to Charles and Rosalie Schuler in Brooklyn, NY, on July 29, 1949, and joined his parents and brother, Skip, in heaven on August 18, 2024. He lived in Brooklyn his first 12 years and then moved to Freehold, NJ, as a 6th grader. He graduated from Christian Brother's Academy in May 1967, and went to work for the railroad, built and installed staircases, and tended bar to earn money for university studies.

The College of Emporia, a Presbyterian College in Emporia, KS, beckoned him for further study in January 1970. Charlie met and married the love of his life, Connie Mussett, while getting his BA in English there in 1973. Upon graduation they moved to Taylor, TX, where Charlie helped Connie's dad start a fabrication business from the ground up, and Connie taught kindergarten at a Lutheran Church.

Charlie then started Austin Theological Seminary in 1975 to prepare for the ministry. His intern year was spent in Fulton, MO, working for Ecumenical Ministries in 1976-1977. Jeremy Charles was born while they were there. Charlie completed his one year internship at the First Presbyterian Church in Fulton, and then moved his family back to Austin to finish his master's degree in 1978.

First Presbyterian Church of Coleman, TX, called him to be their minister, and he was ordained on June 18, 1978. Zachary Cole joined us in 1978, and Gabriel Colin came along in 1980. While in Coleman, he led an ecumenical youth group, coached Little League, was in the Lion's Club, and built a strong church. Upon accepting another call to Athens, AL, the family moved there for the next 8 years. Charlie was a Boy Scout leader, a member of the Lion's Club, helped organize a Hospice program, and had a thriving clown ministry with youth and adults besides leading the church.

Then the call came from Rockport, TX, where Charlie moved his family for the next 28 years. He served First Presbyterian Church as a faithful leader, Sunday school teacher, VBS story teller, and Bible study leader; was President of the Ministerial Alliance for many years; was on the Emergency Response Team, The ABC Board, and The Aransas Pass Hospital Board; helped organize Odyssey; spoke at Baccalaureates; spent summers being Chaplain at youth camps; was keynote for Synod Youth Workshop; sponsored Montreat Triennium; and loved every minute he could work and inspire youth. He served Mission Presbytery on the Committee on Ministry, Camp and Conference Committee, Judicial Committee, and anything else that was asked of him by the presbytery. He retired from active ministry in 2018 after 40 years.

He was an innovative leader, filled with good ideas about being God's Church. He led by doing. His leading and teaching inspired us to live our faith in our church, in our community, and in the world.

He is survived by his wife, Connie of 52 years, son Jeremy (wife Amanda), son Zachary (wife Carroll), and son Gabriel. He leaves 5 grandchildren whom he loved and adored; Jade (21), Cole (15), Addison and Averi (13), and Jenna (8). There are many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews who all loved Uncle Charlie.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you write about a time when Charlie helped you, inspired you, or made you laugh, and bring it to his celebration, reception, or mail it to them. His Celebration of Life will be on September 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM at his beloved First Presbyterian Church in Rockport, TX. Reception to follow.

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