Charles S. Wales

Charles S. Wales passed peacefully at home on Thursday, September 25, 2025. He graced this world for 91 remarkable years. He was born at home in Floyd County, Texas on December 25, 1933, to Charles Schnyder and Delphia Wales, the perfect Christmas gift. The family moved to the farm in New Deal when he was a young boy. He helped his dad on the farm while growing up and learned to love the land. He graduated from New Deal High School and started classes at Texas Tech University where he graduated in 1955 with a BS degree in Dairy Science.
In December of his senior year, Charlie met Lois Cleavinger, the woman that would go on to be his loving wife for 70 years. Of course, she had to prove that she could bake a mean apple pie before he could truly commit to her, but she passed that test with flying colors. They married on June 14, 1955, and moved to East Lansing, Michigan the following day, so Charlie could continue his education at Michigan State University. Upon graduation in 1956, he received his Master's of Dairy Sciences from MSU. Since Lois was now pregnant with their first child, they both knew they wanted to move closer to home to raise their future family.
Once in Dimmitt, Charlie worked for his father-in-law at the John Deere store for two years. In 1958, they moved to the Bethel community to farm, which he continued doing until he was 82 years old. He loved farming and considered it a noble profession. Running the planter, cotton stripper and the combine were his favorite things to do, alongside farming with his two sons.
Charlie was very passionate about books, sports, gardening and grandkids. He owned an extensive book collection and enjoyed reading every chance he had. He loved sports! He never missed a Red Raiders sporting event, a Texas Rangers baseball game or a Dallas Cowboys football game. His garden was a thing of envy. At 91, he still had a huge garden that he took care of daily. Charlie could be found hoeing nearly every day, he said it helped keep him young. His grandchildren also kept him young at heart. He was so proud of each one of them and tried to make sure they knew it. He loved to sit down with them and learn every detail of their lives, no matter how big or small. From the oldest grandson who was farming, to the youngest granddaughter who is still in college. A long visit would always end with a great big hug.
Charlie was very involved with his community, serving on several boards throughout the years. He was on the Dimmitt ISD School Board as well as the Federal Land Bank Board. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Dimmitt for 53 years, where he served on multiple committees including Pastor Parish Relations and Finance. He taught class for the young married members and then for the Asbury Sunday School class for many years.
Charlie is survived by his wife Lois Wales of Dimmitt, Kurt and Tara Wales of Dimmitt, Kathy and Davy Carthel of Friona, Lisa and Darryl Nelson of Dallas, and Tim and Tawnya Wales of Dimmitt; his grandchildren Ethan Wales, Sam Wales (Morgan), Erin Wales, Andy Carthel (Tabitha), Molly Sue (Taylor), Hannah McCart (Talon), Annie Nelson, Michael Wales (Bailey) and Halley Wales; his great grandchildren Colt, Luke, Cambrie, Mason and Blake Carthel, Sawyer, Summer, and Sutton Sue, Wesly and Meredith McCart, Henry and Elliot Wales.
Charlie was proceeded in death by his parents, Charles Schnyder and Delphia Wales, and sister, Wanda (Murl) Kidd, Marie (Jessie) Upton, Imogene (Laverne) Jones and Maxine (Jim) Martin.
We will always cherish our time spent with him and his infectious laughter. He will be deeply missed.
Donations can be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), PO Box 9068, New York, NY, 10087-9068 or to the charity of your choice.

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