With a twinkle in his eye and a sunshine smile, Charlie Litel made the world a better place. Known for his compassion for others, his intelligence, his go-for-it attitude, and his willingness to listen, Charlie was quick to help others and was genuinely interested in getting to know them. He was selfless in his approach. A friend to all, his spirit was infectious, and he enjoyed putting together a good crowd.

Charlie was born in the Woodlands, Texas, and grew up playing outside everyday with his brothers, Conrad and Collier, and the neighborhood kids who were attracted by this upbeat, primed-for-action, unassuming leader. He enjoyed and excelled in all sports he tried: soccer, basketball, baseball, swim team, football – he did it all!

In eighth grade Charlie moved with his family to Lake Charles, La. where he graduated with honors from Our Lady Queen of Heaven and then St. Louis High School. He excelled in schoolwork and was always socially at ease with his peers. He played football, golf, and tennis. He was a natural leader…bright, active, and engaged. Upon graduation, he earned a scholarship to the prestigious SMU Cox School of Business School in Dallas, Texas majoring in finance. Charlie pledged Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and joined his brothers living on campus.

Charlie felt proud of and cherished his experience at Camp Spike ‘n Wave where he was camp counselor for three summers attending to his friend John Thomas Savoie. The camp for kids with epilepsy combines the outdoors with camaraderie and team building and was the perfect fit for Charlie. One summer, he chose to spend the week at camp, instead of going on a sailing trip with friends in the Virgin Islands, a testament to his caring nature and selfless service to others.

Charlie was happiest in the great outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved to snow ski. He was an excellent shot. He loved being in the duck blind, out in the boat…up early, in any kind of weather. And he was a joy to be around because of his natural enthusiasm.

The timing of his death is simply heartbreaking for his family and friends. He was primed for such a bright future. Today we mourn his loss, but remember his love, sweet demeanor, and positive energy. We love you Charlie and we will miss you dearly! We know that God wanted your good soul. We will carry your spirit with us in all our days. Thank you for your spirit, my son, we love you forever.

He is survived by his parents, Trey and Karen Karkalits Litel; and brothers, Collier (Los Angeles, Cali.) and Conrad Litel (Lake Charles); grandmother, Colleen Litel (Lake Charles); Aunt Dawn Litel-Murphy; Uncle Brian Murphy, and cousins, Nick, Ty, and Noah Murphy (Westhampton Beach, N.Y.); Uncle Tim Litel; Aunt Ryann Litel and cousins, Landry, Gentry, Jacques, and Wesley Litel (Baton Rouge); Aunt Kay Marcantel; Uncle Mike Marcantel and cousins, Sean and Mary Kate Marcantel (Lake Charles). He is predeceased by his grandparents, Dr. Olin Carroll Karkalits and Barbara Sue Robinson Karkalits (Lake Charles).

Visitation at Trinity Baptist Church on Nelson and Country Club Road is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. His funeral will be at First Methodist Church on Saturday at 1 p.m., with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Burial services will follow at Consolata, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.

One of Charlie’s passions was his work with and support of pediatric neurology. Memorial donations can be made in the name of Charles Monroe Litel to one of these charities: The Neurological Clinical Research Fund at Texas Children’s Hospital http://give.texaschildrens.org/goto/charlielitel

Blue Bird Circle of Houston. Please note on your check or the website for support of the Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Neurology. The Blue Bird Circle, PO Box 66027, Houston, TX 77366 https://www.thebluebirdcircle.com/support/

On behalf of Charlie’s family, “We thank you for loving our Charlie”.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.