Rev. Dr. Charles Teykl

1935 - 2024

The Rev. Dr. Charles Teykl, of Rosenberg, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born on September 2, 1935, on a farm near Needville, Texas, he graduated from Needville High School, Trinity University, and McCormick Theological Seminary (M.Div., D.Min). In his senior year at Needville, he was named Mr. NHS and Outstanding Athlete. He was baptized, confirmed, and ordained in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Needville, Texas.

Before becoming a pastor, his work experiences included working on the family farm, then at a small-town grocery store, the county drainage district, Yellowstone National Park as a bellhop, as a public-school teacher in San Antonio, and in Chicago industry.

Prior to his retirement in 2002, his pastorates included Luling, Louisiana, Baytown, Plainview, and Rosenberg, Texas. He is Pastor Emeritus at First Presbyterian Church, Plainview. He was active in the communities where he served. He was chairman of the Baytown Human Relations Council, a 26-year Plainview Noon Lions Club member, president of the Athletic Booster Club, and a founder of Meals on Wheels. In his retirement, he was a Temporary Supply Pastor in two Houston congregations and a Parish Associate in Hurst.

In the larger church, he served on numerous task forces, committees, and commissions in various presbyteries and the synod; was Moderator of three different presbyteries; and a General Assembly Commissioner in 1983 (the reunion Assembly) and 2000.

He practiced a leadership style that valued open discussion and democratic decision-making, encouraging the laity to take initiative in doing ministry. He compiled for his benefit and that of laypeople, The Worship Leader's Handbook, which many members and ministers used in numerous congregations. He sought to have a balanced, well-rounded ministry as an effective preacher, a caring pastor, and an able administrator, with humility and humor and a lively sense of God's holy presence. His greatest fulfillment in life has been his family and his ministry.

Charles was an outgoing, gregarious person who enjoyed a good laugh, visiting with people, and sharing stories. So, when you were in his presence, you felt the love of God, of humankind, and of goodwill. You're led to believe that all is not darkness- there is light! With a smile on his countenance, and perhaps a bit of humor, he leaves you lifted with these gifts.

He is preceded in death by his parents, August and Lillie Teykl, wife Randee, sister Joyce Fojtik Robinson, and wife Sylvia Pesak McLelland Teykl. He is survived by daughter Melissa Allen and husband William of Needville, son Dean Teykl and wife Hannah of Lubbock, daughter Elise Lisemby and husband Dennis of Wilson, 6 grandchildren - Miranda Dodge, Steven Vinson, Mackenzie Renteria, Carson Teykl, Taylor and Tia Harrison, 6 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 9122 Church Street in Needville, Texas 77461.

Memorial gifts may be sent to St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, or to a charity of one's choice.

Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd. (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218), Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.