Charlie Joe Tobola, 98, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 1, 2016. He was born in Schulenburg, Texas, on August 26, 1918.

He was drafted into the United States Army in 1941 and was honorably discharged having served the United States during WWII, and he later retired after thirty-five years from Mobil Oil Corporation in Beaumont as the Superintendent for their Distribution and Logistics Division.

He was a long-standing and active member of St. Anne Catholic Church for 46 years and enjoyed participation in the 49 Club.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, golfing, fishing, wood working, gardening and a long-time fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

Charlie was preceded in death by his lovely wife and loving mother, Mary Tobola. Family survivors include two daughters, Barbara Driskell of Benton, Louisiana; Cathy Daleo and her husband, Mike, of Lumberton, Texas; and one son, Paul Tobola and his wife, Brigitte, of McLean, Virginia. Charlie has seven grandchildren, Angie Hansen, Brian Driskell, Jeff Driskell, Rick Daleo, Chris Daleo, William Tobola, and Carley Tobola; six great-grandchildren, Addison Hansen, Connor Hansen, Kasey Daleo, Lindsey Daleo, Henry Driskell and Abigail Driskell; and one great-great-grandchild, Jace Tran. 

A gathering of Mr. Tobola’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 5, 2016, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont. His interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont, and serving as pallbearers will be Rick Daleo, Chris Daleo, Tim Hansen, Brian Driskell, Jeff Driskell, and James Tran. Honorary pallbearers will be James Peterson, Monroe Scurlock, Ray Brent, Richard Bjerke, and William Tobola.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 700 North Street, Suite M, Beaumont, Texas 77701; or to St. Anne Catholic Church, P.O. Box 3429, Beaumont, Texas 77704.

The family would like to make Special Acknowledgements to his wonderful and loving caregivers:

Annie Camandang – An amazing, long-term caregiver and special friend of the family for many years.  A special thanks for her dedication, commitment and sacrifice of her long hours.

James Rawlings, Funeral Director – James was an amazing breath of fresh air, making a somber and stressful time so calming and peaceful.  He was very personable, and made every request happen without a worry from the family.

Karen Larson, RN, Harbor Hospice – A very caring friend of Charlie and the family with a special place in her heart for US veterans.

Kevin Brian, LVN, Harbor Hospice – Kevin was the most attentive, responsive and understanding nurse.  Charlie will never forget the strawberry Popsicle, and our feelings from his thankful smile.

Mary Ann Alfonso – An amazing, long-term caregiver and special friend of the family for many years.  A special thanks for her expert tile work and advice.

Nicole Brown & Shawntay Wilson, Pelican Bay Caregivers – Nicole and Shawntay’s loving care and personal connection with Charlie made his life wonderful during his stay at Pelican Bay.

Tommy Leicht, St. Anne Catholic Church Home Bound Eucharistic Minister – Charlie looked forward to seeing Tommy every week, enjoyed the light conversation and stories, and left Charlie with a smile.

And finally, a shout out to all of his neighbors, and friends from Pelican Bay!  James, Gwyn, Tamika, Lisa, Scott, Robert, Morris and many others that made him feel at home!   THANK YOU!

A special and heartfelt "Thank You" to Cathy and Mike Daleo and Barbara Driskell from their favorite brother for always being there, no matter what was needed, no matter how serious or routine, no matter what time of the day or night, no matter their availability, no matter what... they were always there for our Dad, Charlie -- and he knew he had nothing to worry about.  And on behalf of Dad, to make up for all the lost time in expressing his love and appreciation for his beautiful and super caring daughters, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU and I Love You So Much, Dad.