Charles Edward Brownfield Jr.

Charles Edward Brownfield, Jr. (“Charlie B.”), age 93, died Thursday, September 15, 2016, with his wife by his side in Austin, Texas. Born November 8, 1922, in Bailey, Texas, to Nancy Buford (Gray) and Charles E. Brownfield, Sr., he was the first of two children. He spent most of his life in Stamford, Texas.
After graduating from Stamford High School, Charlie attended Tarleton College, and then transferred to the University of Texas at Austin to complete his bachelor’s degree. He then served as a lieutenant in the 346th Regiment of the 87th infantry Division in the Second World War, during which he was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star medals. After finishing his time in the service, Charlie married Eunice (“Blondie”) Haterius on November 30, 1946, and they moved to Austin for him to attend law school at the University of Texas.
Prior to graduating law school, Charlie was elected county attorney of Jones County. In September of 1948, after graduating and passing the bar, he and Blondie returned to Stamford, where he served as county attorney for 14 years, followed by 52 years of private practice. While in private practice, Charlie served for many years as attorney for both the Rural Electric Association and for the City of Stamford.
Charlie also had other interests and commitments in the community. During law school, Charlie developed a life-long love of golf – he would often say that while law was his vocation, golf was his avocation. He participated in many tournaments, and for many years was on the Board of Directors of the Texas Golf Association and was named by them a prince of good fellows. One of his most disappointing days was the day that he realized he would no longer be able to play due to physical limitations.
Charlie was a longtime member of Bethel Lutheran Church, where he taught an adult bible class through the years, and would intermittently fill the pulpit in the absence of the pastor. He served on the board of the church for many years. He also served as a board member for Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, for a number of years.
Charlie is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Blondie, and their five children: Chuck, M’liss (Pam McCollum), Lezli (Matt) Selmon, Renee (Richard) Strait, and Brooke (Scott) Anderson, as well as their 11 grandchildren – Lexie and Sanden (Kate) Averett; Zac (Jessica), Piper, Haley, and Spencer Selmon; Chaz (Mary Catherine) and Callan Brownfield; Ben, Brady, and Charlie Anderson – and 2 great-grandchildren – Avery McBride and Rae Selmon. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jean.
The family wants to thank the employees of Encompass Home Health Care, Brookdale assisted Living, and Park Manor who took such good care of him in his later years.
Visitation will be held Saturday, September 24, from 3 - 4:30 PM at Tankersley Funeral Home (807 S. Columbia) Stamford, Texas. Rev. Richard Strait will officiate assisted by Rev. Teresa Davis at the funeral service on Sunday, September 25, 2016, at 2 PM at the Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at the Bethel Lutheran Church Cemetery under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be: Francis G. Steiger, Stephen Haterius, Craig Haterius, Ricky Haterius, Sven Haterius and Nils Haterius. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Bland Harrison and Dr. Tony B. Selmon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, PO Box 828, Stamford, Texas 79553, or to the charity of your choice.
On-line condolences may be made at www.tankersleyfuneralhome.com.