Charles was born 08 November 1931 to Margaret and Robert H. Keaton in Dallas Texas.

Charles moved to Houston, TX in 1964, then retired on Lake Livingston in 1998.

He is survived by wife Barbara, son Stephen Patrick and daughter Kathryn Lynn Arnold, step daughter Susan Harris Moran, stepson Lonny Harris and Edward Harris, sister, Margaret Smith and her three sons. His grandchildren by Stephen: Hannah, Olivia, Elizabeth, Madeline, Genevieve, Anthony, Jacob, Charlie. His grandchildren by deceased son Scott: Rebecca, and Noah. His grandchildren by Kathryn: Gwendolyn and Benjamin. His step grandchildren are Everitt Harris, Jacob Harris, Jon Harris, Mike Harris, Chris Harris, and Jenny Harris.

Charles was head of quality control with Heat Research and MW Kellogg, now called Kellogg Brown & Root for 30 years.  During his professional life he traveled the world: all of Western Europe, Japan, and India, including a five year residency in Venezuela where he and his wife had many exciting adventures.

Charles's hobbies included fishing, hunting, scuba diving, downhill skiing, trips with National Geographic Society to view grey whales, Galapagos Islands, photographic tour of Kenya's wildlife preserves, and many ocean cruises.

The family ask that donations to the SPCA of Polk County rather than flowers

Charles left us on 27 March 2023 after a life well lived.