Charles Edward Hardilek, 78 of Hallettsville passed away on September 1, 2022, at his home.  He was born on February 3, 1944, in San Antonio to Charles L. and Alma Hardilek.  He married Dale S. Zoch on January 14, 1978, in Austin, Texas and soon returned to his family home in Hallettsville.  He was a devoted Catholic and a member of Sacred Heart Church in Hallettsville.

Charles has a Bachelor's degree in Communication Arts, Radio and Television which he earned by working part time for KUHT-TV, the PBS station at the University of Houston as a disc jockey at KXYZ-FM and part of the remote crew for KPRC-TV, the NBC affiliate in Houston.  These were the early days of manned space flight and television was only about 10 years old so cameramen were scarce.  He was part of the remote crew filming the Gemini IV launch on June 3, 1965.  He was behind the camera filming Chet Huntley and David Brinkley for the first part of the coverage. He also worked on the remote crew filming Houston Oiler games and later filmed games for the Houston Astros from the Astrodome.  He remained an Astros fan for life watching the games faithfully until his passing.

Charles was a gentle soul with the strength of a titan.  Rarely did he raise his voice, so when he did, you took notice.  A lifelong advocate for peace, he sponsored several children from various countries to adulthood.  He continued to receive letters from them each year.  He was the best example of what it means to be a caring, compassionate human being.

Charles also had an incredibly silly side pulling practical jokes and making funny faces.  Ask Charles A. about the "wine" and you'll get the idea.

Charles was passionate about film and music and shared his passion with his family.  In fact, when we were shown films, we were expected to rate them.  I am sure he has transferred the original onto a spreadsheet somewhere.  He often played movie soundtracks at dinner and we'd guess which film it was from.

Charles was ultimately caring to his children and grandchildren but his soul he entrusted to the gentle care of his loving wife Dale.  There could be no better life partner for him and their relationship was the example to which I strive.

Charles will be sorely missed by his family and the few people privileged to be called friends.

Charles is survived by:  his loving wife Dale; daughter Kathe (Danny); sons, Charles A. (Patricia) and Zach (Amber); seven grandchildren, Kyle, Nick, Al, Brom, Bre, Justin and Travis; brothers, Tom and Robert; and sisters, Sharon and Dolores.

Charles was preceded in death by, his parents Charles L. and Alma Hardilek, Jo Francis Hardilek and Grandson Charles Gabriel.

Funeral Mass Service: 11 am, Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville; Visitation starting at 9:30 am, with Rosary starting at 10:30 am. Pallbearers: Brom Hardilek, Breana Hardilek, Nick Hardilek, Scott Hardilek, Kyle Waling, Justin Boleware, Tony Boleware and Robert Zoch III. Honorary Pallbearers: Al Hardilek, Paul Kyle, Michael Selewach and Billy Jenkins. Officiant: Rev. James Dvorak. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic Church/School or donor's choice. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.