Charlene L. Cardwell

Charlene Cardwell was born on December 1, 1932 and passed away on May 31, 2020. She was the oldest of 5 siblings born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Vernon and Elizabeth McDonald. She had a sweet spirit that was instilled in her by her parent’s faith in God and by their love for their children and grandchildren. That faith in God was passed on to the entire family and is evident in all of their lives. Charlene’s faith in God has supported her throughout her life in good times and bad.

Charlene graduated from Daniel Webster High School in Tulsa where she met her husband, Lee Roy. They were married in 1951 and lived in Anchorage, Alaska where Lee Roy was stationed in the Air Force and she worked in the office on base. She shared stories of the fun they had and the friends they had, living in their little house in Anchorage. In 1953 they moved to Marietta, Georgia with the Air Force, where their first child, Terrie was born. In 1956, Lee Roy was discharged and they moved back to Tulsa to work for DX Refining and then Exxon Production Research. Charlene worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield. They had two more children, Laurie in 1956 and Doug in 1961. In 1964 they were transferred to Houston with Exxon. Charlene raised her children then began working at Fish Engineering as Central Files Manager to fund Terrie’s college education. She worked there for about 10 years.

Charlene’s passion was music. It began in high school and she loved sharing stories of her fond memories of the many solos and duets she sang and of those she sang with. Her family was active at 41st Street Christian Church in Tulsa where she grew in her faith and became the strong Christian woman that she lived out until her death. She was in the church choir with her parents and siblings. Her family sang together and it was so beautiful to hear, with each part represented. Alto was her preference and she had a beautiful voice. After moving to Houston, the family became charter members of Memorial Drive Christian Church and they were all active in all aspects of church life. She sang in the Chancel Choir for 51 years, until January of 2020. In addition to the church choir she sang in the Gospel Choir at MDCC, in a group called The Sing-a-Lings, The Houston Choral Society and The Singing Belles. She sang at least 3 times a week somewhere. Her children grew up watching her in the choir loft and she was known to leave a few times and remove them from church if they were misbehaving!

Charlene is survived by her children Terrie Cardwell of Houston, Laurie Cardwell of Tulsa, and Doug Cardwell of Ft. Worth. She is also survived by her three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Her first grandchild is Doug’s son, Curtis Cardwell of Ft. Worth, his wife, Crystal and their two children, Charli and Cooper. Her second grandchild is Laurie’s daughter, Casey Simmons of Sand Springs, her husband Justin and their two children, Carson and Layla. Her third grandchild is Laurie’s son, Travis Polasek of Lake Jackson and his wife Kimberly. She also has numerous nieces and nephews.

Charlene was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Roy in 1992, her parents, Vernon and Elizabeth McDonald, her brother Bob McDonald of Asheville, NC and her sister Eileen of Prue, OK. She is survived by her sister, Karen Britt of Sand Springs, OK and her brother Dale of Skiatook OK.

Charlene’s funeral with be held on Friday, June 5th at 11:00 am, at Memorial Drive Christian Church, 11750 Memorial Drive, Houston, 77024. The service is by invitation only due to Covid 19 and the need to social distance. A graveside service will be at Forest Park Westheimer at 1:00 pm. Flowers may be sent to the Forest Park Westheimer, 12800 Westheimer Rd, Houston, 77077.