Charles Grainger "Chick" Dibrell Jr.

CHARLES GRAINGER "CHICK" DIBRELL, JR. GALVESTON - Having served his country, his community, and his family for 95 years, Charles Grainger "Chick" Dibrell, Jr. finally rested at his home on Monday, July 17, 2006. Born to parents Judge Charles Grainger. Dibrell, Sr. and Amber Lee Folk on May 20, 1911, Chick began life with siblings Cora, Louis, and Elizabeth in League City, Texas. The family soon moved to Galveston where Chick became a lifelong and devoted resident. Chick attended Galveston public schools and graduated from Ball High School in 1931, serving as captain of the football team, member of the marching band, and excellent debater. Chick attended the University of Texas for undergraduate work and to study law. He managed to pass the bar exam in 1935 before graduating, but went on to complete his course work in 1936 and earn a doctor of jurisprudence. He returned to Galveston to practice law and to begin a lifelong commitment of service. Upon returning to Galveston, Chick met Frances Catherine Michalke, the woman who would be his wife for nearly 66 years. They married on September 28, 1940 and raised two children, Frances Moore "Tancy" Dibrell and Judge C. G. "Trey" Dibrell, III. Shortly after their marriage, Chick answered his first call to service service to his country. He enlisted with the U.S. Navy and was commanding officer of an anti-submarine convoy escort vessel during World War II. He concluded his naval career teaching in the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. After the war, Chick returned to Galveston to his law career, a career through which he would serve the legal community of Galveston for over 60 years. He began at Wayman and Kleinecke, which became Dibrell, Dibrell, Greer and Brown. He later formed the Dibrell and Dibrell firm with son, Trey, and continued to practice law into his 90s. During his career, Chick appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court and served as President of the Galveston County Bar Association. In SPITE of a busy schedule and full career, Chick always made time to mentor countless young lawyers. Above all others, Chick's most profound area of service involved the Galveston community, particularly regarding youth and education. Before World War II, he was instrumental in creating two neighborhood YMCA clubs on the west and east ends of the city. These clubs would offer safe havens for boys to play sports. He was also active with United Way and the Junior Chamber of Commerce. In 1963, he was elected to the Galveston Independent School District School Board and served as President from 1967-1969. These years leading the GISD school board were pivotal in the history of Galveston education. Chick played a key role in the integration of Galveston public schools, offering a calm, diplomatic, compassionate voice during a turbulent period. From 1971-1980 he was on the board of directors of the Region IV Education Service Center, which coordinated state assistance to 55 school districts. Chick also served on the Board of Regents for Galveston College from 1973-1985, serving as Chair for 6 years. Additionally, he served on the Board of the Galveston College Foundation which raises money to guarantee free college education for Galveston's high school graduates. Finally, Chick served as Chairman/Trustee of the Dr. Leon Bromberg Charitable Trust Fund from 1985-2004, guiding significant contributions to medical, research, education, and charitable organizations. In spite of a life filled with service, Chick still found time for fun and for family. First and foremost, he enjoyed spending time with loved ones. In addition, he enjoyed photography, fishing, snow skiing, farming, motorcycling, and bicycling, many of which he continued into his 80s. Chick will be sadly missed and joyfully remembered by his wife, Frances; daughter, Tancy; and son Trey. He is also in the hearts of four grandchildren: Henry Segelke and wife Heather Brown; Craig Segelke and wife Kimberly; Charles G. "Chad" Dibrell, IV; and Leanne Dibrell Cartwright and husband Matt. Three great grandchildren, Berkley and August Segelke, and Kate Cartwright, also carry his legacy. In addition, he is survived by niece Mary Lynn Murphy and nephew Jim Murphy. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday evening, July 19, from 5-7pm at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home, 1201 Tremont Street. There will be a private burial service on Thursday morning, July 20, followed by Mass at Sacred Heart Church, 1302 Broadway, at 11 am. Guests are then invited to a reception at the Galveston Yacht Club. The family wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to: Annie Burton, Mary Ann Guidry, Leah Miller, Tonya Simmons, and Carrie Ward for the wonderful care given to Chick during his final years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Dibrell Family Professorship at UTMB or to a charity of choice.