Charles B. Croft

Charles Benjamin Croft (Chuck) was born in Enid, Oklahoma on the tenth of November, 1927, to Esther Lewis and Glenn W. Croft. He moved to northeast Texas at the age of five and spent the rest of his youth in the booming East Texas oil field, mostly in a Sinclair Oil camp near Wright City. Chuck attended the famous Gaston School where he lettered in five sports. He joined the US Marines and served in the Pacific, attached to Naval Security in Hawaii. During his service, he was a member of Taskforce Seven on Enewitok Atoll testing the atomic bomb and was one of the 62 marines dispatched to Peleliu Island to force the final surrender of the last Japanese combat element of WWII. He was also active in intra-service sports in the Pacific theatre and represented the Marines in tennis, water polo, boxing and martial arts. After the Marines, Chuck married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn McWilliams, with whom he had five children. In 1949, they moved to Austin to attend University of Texas School of Architecture. Chuck pursued his passion for architecture for the next 60 years: designing and creating iconic buildings and environments such as Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, University YMCA, Westwood Country Club, Northwest Recreation Center, The Pinnacle in Oak Hill, Westlake High School, and many other schools, municipal buildings, commercial buildings and residences in Austin and other Texas locations (including the “Casa del Sol” in Harlingen). His career spanned more than 1,600 jobs in Texas. He was a dedicated professional who served the American Institute of Architects and Texas Society of Architects and received many design awards and accolades, including the prestigious AIA Fellow. Chuck believed in being socially and politically engaged and set an example as a community leader and grass-roots political mover. He was president of both Allandale and Walnut Place neighborhood associations and served as an election judge wherever he lived. He served on numerous municipal, professional and community boards, councils and organizations. Chuck later married Lisa Sears, and together they built a thriving design/consulting business. As his constant companion, Lisa was present when Chuck peacefully passed away at home. Chuck was an unrivaled storyteller, comic, and tease, with a love for Longhorn football, silly hats, family games, and grandchildren. His dogs, Wolfie and Buddy, were devoted companions. Chuck was preceded in death by parents, Glenn and Esther, younger son Charles B. Croft, Jr. and first wife Carolyn. He is survived by wife Lisa Sears Croft, brother Bill Croft, sisters Bette Young (Don) and Linda Yarbrough; children David Croft (Terri), Cathy Anton (Bruce), Jan Swanson (Greg) and Carol Anne Croft; grandchildren Jeremy, Kimberlee Schoppert (Scott), Paul, Benjamin, Forest, Sean, Justin, Chris, and Charlie; four great grandchildren Kieran, June, Emme, Baker; and many nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of his life at Cook-Walden Funeral Home on Saturday, December 16th at 11:00. Friends and family are invited to share stories.