Dr. Charles W. Preuss III

Dr. Charles W Preuss III
January 3, 1950 – November 12, 2025
Dr. Charles Wayne Preuss, (75), of Katy, Texas, passed away on November 12, 2025. He was born on January 3, 1950, in El Campo, Texas to Charles W Preuss Jr and Emma Gerla Preuss.
Charles grew up in El Campo, where he became an all-state track athlete at El Campo High School and earned a spot on the Junior Olympic team. His talent on the track team took him to Rice University on an athletic scholarship, beginning a lifelong love for the Rice Owls. He held football season tickets for years and was a loyal fan through every season.
After graduating from Rice, Charles earned his medical degree from Texas Tech University. Later, he went on to receive a pharmacy degree from the University of Texas at Austin and spent more than 30 years working as a pharmacist. He was known for the kindness, devotion, and care he showed to the people he served.
In 1977, Charles and Jeanette (Jan) Chovanec went on their first date at a local dance (at the urging of Charles' parents who played matchmakers). Destiny struck and after a Christmas Eve proposal in 1978 they were married June 30, 1979. They built a life together that centered on family and a shared love of travel. Their daughter, Ashley, was their pride and joy. In his later years, Charles especially loved being "Pawpaw" to his granddaughters, Eliza and Emma. He never missed a chance to spoil them, and they brought him tremendous happiness.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Charles W Preuss Jr and Emma Gerla Preuss, and by his wife, Jan Chovanec Preuss. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and Kenny Spain; his granddaughters, Eliza (6) and Emma (17 months) Spain; his brother, Gary Preuss; and his sister-in-law, Cindy Fontana Anderson.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at St. Philip Catholic Church in El Campo (304 W. Church St.). The Rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Mass at 10:30 a.m. A procession to Holy Cross Memorial Park Cemetery will follow. A luncheon honoring Charles will be held at Mikeska's BBQ in El Campo after the burial.