Charles Frank Dlabay

1939 - 2022

Charles Frank Dlabay

April 20, 1939 - December 27, 2022

Charles Frank Dlabay, fondly known as "Charlie", passed away at the age of 83 on December 27, 2022. Charles was born on April 20, 1939, in Texas City, and grew up in Caldwell, TX.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy in the Air Frames Division on the USS Hornet from 1957-1961.

Charlie married the love of his life, Dorothy Ann Penicka, on August 12, 1961 after a 3-month courtship. They built their forever home in Smetana, and raised two daughters.

He worked for 40+ years at Alenco in Bryan, TX as a Machinist in the Engineering Department. After working all day, he would come home and work even longer on his farm. Charlie was always "tinkering"- from making his own fishing lures to building a two-story playhouse for his daughter. He was a hard working and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Charlie loved fishing, hunting, farming, gardening, and going on gambling trips with his friends. He enjoyed reading western novels, watching John Wayne movies, and listening to Elvis Presley.

Charlie will be truly missed.

Charles is survived by his wife, Dorothy of 61 years; his daughters, Denise Sloan and husband Jim, and Christy Gilbert and husband Sean; grandchildren, Jacob and Jared Sloan, Britten, Katie, and Michael Gilbert all of Bryan.

He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Dlabay; brother, Bobby Dlabay; and sister, Dorothy Wright; and his best friend, Willie Kuder, who will be waiting at the Gates to go hunting and fishing.

Visitation will be 5pm-7pm on Monday, January 2, 2023 at Hillier of Bryan. The service will be held at the Hillier of Bryan at 10am on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Burial following at the Smetana Cemetery.

Please visit Charles' tribute page at www.HillierFuneralHome.com to share memories and stories.