Charles Julius “Charlie” Willmann, Sr., age 101 of Seguin, passed away on April 25, 2026. Charles was born on March 31, 1925, in Seguin, Texas to Ethelda (Behrendt) and Charles Willmann, and grew up on his family farm in Seguin.
Charlie graduated from Seguin High School in 1942 and attended Texas A&M College. He started studying Agriculture Education, but had to pause his education to serve in World War II. He enlisted in the United States Navy on May 22, 1943. The Navy enrolled him in the V-!2 Training Program at North Texas Agricultural College, where he met Patricia Ruth Oswalt. Charlie remembered, “We went out for six months if that long”. Then, they ran off and got married. He was 19, and Patty was 18. They got married in Rockwall, Texas, without telling anyone. They had a church wedding later to make it official, since their parents did not know.
Charlie served active duty from November 1, 1943, to April 25, 1946, as a Communications Officer on the USS Tappahannock. After returning from the Navy, he completed his degree in Agriculture Administration at Texas A&M and was proud to be a member of the “Fighting Aggies” Class of ’46.
Charlie worked for Sears Roebuck in various positions and retired in 1980 as a store manager. He and Patty then moved back to Seguin and joined his sister and her husband in running the family farm. They raised Cattle and won awards for their pecans. The farm is still active and remains in the family; Charlie liked to stay updated on the farm activities.
He served as Guadalupe County Commissioner and later as County Judge. Charlie believed that “if you are going to do something, you need to do it right.” When he committed to something, he gave it his all and was never afraid to express his opinion.
Charlie is preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Patricia “Patty” Willmann, his parents, and his sister, Ethel Willard and her husband D. B.
Survivors include his children, Charles “Chuck” J. Willmann, Jr. and wife Kay, Daniel N. Willmann and wife Carol and Jennie Willmann Moseley and husband Mike; grandchildren, Chaz Willmann, Jennifer Smith and husband John, John Brady and wife Jenny, Tim Brady and wife Melissa, Dan Willmann, Jr., Matthew Willmann and wife Amy, Greg Moseley and wife Heather, and Tricia Moseley Bak and husband Brent; great-grandchildren, Alexis Vess and husband Christian, Nikko Respeto, Dominic Brady, Trenten Brady, Ayden Brady, Eris Brady, Kyle Willmann, Anna Virginia Moseley, Emma Kate Moseley, Harper Maris Moseley, and Hunter Elizabeth Coppa; great-great grandson, James Vess; nephew, Michael Willard and wife Gladys; numerous other loving family members and a host of friends.
A Life Service celebration is being planned at the Texas Agricultural and Heritage Center (Big Red Barn), 250 Cordova Road, Seguin, Texas, 78155, sometime this summer.