Charles Fleming Overstreet

Charles “Charlie” Overstreet passed away on February 3, 2022. Charlie was born in 1937 to Charles and Zelma Overstreet. Charlie’s dad was a Coast Guard officer and his earliest memories were of being at Coast Guard Air Stations all around the country, watching airplanes with his dad and younger brother, Lane Overstreet. This inspired a lifelong passion for aviation and patriotism.

Upon graduation from the University of Miami, Charlie was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the USAF. He entered pilot training at Big Spring, Texas where he met his future wife, Mayre Sue. They married in the summer of 1961 when he finished B-47 Stratojet bomber training and was assigned to Forbes AFB, Kansas. While in Kansas, Charlie and Mayre Sue had two sons. The oldest, Charles Overstreet, was born in the middle of the Cuban Missile Crises. Charlie had to take a couple of hours off nuclear alert to be at the hospital. James Overstreet was born just before leaving for B-52 Stratofortess bomber combat crew transition training at Castle AFB, California. In 1969 Charlie and his B-52 combat crew joined the fray in Vietnam flying 55 combat missions during Operation Arc Light. Upon returning from the South East Asia, Charlie left active duty service.

In 1971 the US Customs Service Sky Marshal program hired Charlie and in 1972 he gained a Special Agent/Pilot position in San Antonio, TX. He transferred to DEA in 1973 as one of the initial stand up cadre. Within a couple of years he helped stand up the air branch supporting sensitive counter narcotics operations, sometimes doing things with airplanes that is generally frowned upon today. In 1985 he transferred to El Paso, retiring from DEA in 1994. Refusing to slow down, for 17 years Charlie taught as a substitute teacher at Coronado High School. After retiring from teaching, Charlie became a volunteer at the War Eagles Air Museum. He just loved being around airplanes! Charlie enjoyed working with his colleagues on the War Eagle museum staff and as a docent for visiting students.

One of his most recent and passionate endeavors was honoring our Texas and New Mexico veterans through the organization and development of the Santa Teresa Veterans Memorial Park in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. He enjoyed hunting, skeet/trap shooting, cigars, and traveling around the world with his family and friends. Charlie was a member of Safari Club International and The Order of the Daedalians.

A service will be held at Martin Funeral Home, 128 N. Resler Drive, El Paso, TX 79912 on Monday, February 14, 2022. Visitation will begin at 1000 with funeral services at 1100. Commitment ceremonies will take place at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery at 1400.

Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Veterans Project-Santa Teresa Charitable Foundation, 2660 Airport Road #780, Santa Teresa NM 88008 in memory of Charles F. Overstreet.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Overstreet family.