Roll Call Tribute

Charles Ernest Strauss 

July 18, 1937 - December 2, 2024 

Dr. Charles Ernest Strauss, affectionately known as “CE” or most recently “Great Papa,” passed peacefully at home in Goliad, Texas, on December 2, 2024, at the age of 87, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 18, 1937, in Hallettsville, Texas, CE lived a full and joyful life marked by faith, family, and Aggie football.

CE is survived by his devoted children: Paddy and wife Margaret, Jeff and wife Lupi, and daughter Shelley; his cherished sister Carol and husband Pat; brother David and wife Connie; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, and a legacy of laughter and stories that will outlive them all. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Erline Strauss and his beloved daughter Katie.

CE was a proud graduate of Texas A&M University, though he begrudgingly earned his medical degree from “that other school in Texas” in 1964, since A&M didn’t yet have a medical school. Before embarking on his career as a radiologist, CE served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Though he rarely spoke of his service, his quiet courage and sense of duty shaped the steadfast way he lived his life.

He practiced radiology across Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi before retiring to his beloved home in Goliad. Retirement, for CE, was a full-time commitment to hunting, fishing, Aggie sports, and perfecting his storytelling techniques—many of which featured fish that grew larger with every retelling.

CE delighted in passing down his wisdom to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, ensuring they knew how to tie a fishing line, play dominoes, and never let the truth get in the way of a good hunting story. He was a loyal fan of the Aggies (regardless of the scoreboard) and the Astros, and his living room coaching will undoubtedly echo in stadiums above.

While CE’s seat in the boat will remain empty, his humor, love, and devotion to his family and faith leave an everlasting mark on all who knew him.

A visitation will be held at 1 pm, Monday, December 9, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville, Texas, followed by the Rosary and Funeral Mass at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you teach a child to fish, play dominoes, or cheer for the Aggies in CE’s honor. Heaven has gained a storyteller, a jokester, and undoubtedly a coach for celestial baseball. Rest in peace, Great Papa; we’ll carry on the Strauss traditions.