C. A. "Al" Bilderback

Charles Alvin "Al" Bilderback, lovingly known as Pop, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 17, 2025, in the comfort of his home. He was 90 years old.

Born in Arkansas, Al built a life defined by quiet strength, deep love, and unwavering integrity. He earned his engineering degree from the University of Oklahoma and was recruited by Humble Oil (later Exxon), at a job fair in Norman. The Humble Oil opportunity launched what would become a remarkable career in chemical engineering, sending him across Texas and Louisiana, and around the world to places like Argentina, Venezuela, Aruba, China, and Africa. A gifted problem-solver and natural leader, Al is best known for his influential article published by the Society of Petroleum Engineers in the Journal of Petroleum Technology, titled "Complete Paraffin Control in Petroleum Production." He also played a key role in advancing the use of chemical dispersants in offshore oil operations, a practice now widely used to mitigate surface-oil slicks during spill management. He was well respected not just for what he accomplished, but for the way he carried himself with humility, steadiness, and grace.

In all the places he lived, Al was known for his kindness, reliability, intelligence, and quiet wisdom. He and his beloved wife, Charlotte, shared a love for travel and adventure. They journeyed the world with close friends and embraced every season of their almost 66 years of life together.

Al found peace and joy in the simple things: fishing, sailing, canoeing, long drives, the changing colors of fall leaves, a good rainstorm, sunrises and sunsets, birds, gardening, backyard grilling, and music. He had a deep appreciation for musical harmony, and he spent many hours immersed in deeply moving, beautiful melodies. He was a devoted fan of the Oklahoma Sooners, enjoyed all college sports, and loved the Houston Astros. Some of his favorite times were spent passing down stories and life lessons to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a big kid himself; he would gladly spend all afternoon playing with his great grandkids, his pride and joy.

Christian faith was a cornerstone of Al's life. He was a founding member of Kingwood Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he loyally attended and faithfully served for decades. His heart for service extended well beyond the church walls; Al was instrumental in establishing HAAM, Humble Area Assistance Ministries, whose mission he supported for many years. Even in retirement, he was often behind the wheel of HAAM's box truck, picking up furniture donations and helping wherever needed. He was honored by HAAM in 2013 as a "Pillar of the Community," a title that perfectly captured the quiet strength and lifelong compassion for which he was known.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, his beloved wife, Charlotte, and many incredible friends and extended family members.

He is survived by his son, his daughter, Melony Bilderback; his grandchildren, Chantelle Burton and husband Corey, Savannah Simon and husband Justin, and his grandson; and ten great-grandchildren, Dominick, Blake, Kataleya, Charlotte, Emilee, Kayne, Lillian, and Adalynn. He is also survived by his niece, Cathy Crain, and her husband Earl, along with many cherished friends and extended family members who will carry forward his legacy of love, generosity, and a life well-lived.

A memorial service celebrating Al's life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Kingwood Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 3910 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Kingwood, Texas, 77345, with a luncheon to follow.

The family invites you to honor Al's memory in the ways that mattered most to him. You can honor him by showing up for the people you love, lending a hand when someone needs it, enjoying a harmonious song, listening to a good rain, soaking up a glowing sunset, and taking notice of the beauty all along the way.