Charles “Wes” Heald was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, follower of Christ, proud Texas Aggie, and a man who found joy in the simple things: spending time with family, days spent outdoors, working on his ranch, and being able to hunt, fish, and golf. He lived a life defined by his faith, hard work, service, and a deep love for the people around him.

Wes passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born on October 11, 1937, in Spur, Texas. In 1955, he graduated from Evant High School and went on to Texas A&M University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1960. His connection to Texas A&M remained a source of great pride throughout his life, and he was a proud Fighting Texas Aggie to the end.

Wes served on active duty with the United States Army from September 1960 through March 1961. In March 1961, he began his career as a senior engineering assistant with the Texas Highway Department in the Houston District. He moved to the Brownwood District in July 1962, where he held various engineering and supervisory positions, and was licensed as a professional engineer in 1965. Wes was named Brownwood District Engineer in 1987. In 1993, he became the Fort Worth District Engineer.

On March 1, 1998, Wes became Executive Director of the Texas Department of Transportation, a position he held until his retirement in 2001. He retired after 40 incredible years of service. During this period, he served with the 36th Division of the Texas National Guard for 7 years and with the 49th Civil Affairs Army Reserve unit for 14 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. In April 2001, he received the Distinguished Graduate Award from the Department of Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University.

But while Wes accomplished much throughout his career, his greatest pride was found outside of the office. In 2008, Wes and his wife, Dorothy, moved to Walburg, Texas, where they built the next chapter of their life together. They became members of Zion Lutheran Church in 2009, where Wes also served on the Zion Lutheran School Board.

For 65 cherished years, Wes shared his life with Dorothy. He loved his family deeply and took great pride in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow. Wes is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy; his brother, David, nieces, and nephew; daughter, Debra Johnson (Bart); son, Darrell Heald (Terri); grandchildren, Bart Johnson Jr. (Kelcey), Blake Johnson (Elizabeth), Macey Spigener (Wyatt), and Madison Markee (Ty); and great-grandchildren, Mills Johnson, Hank Johnson, May Johnson, Reeves Johnson, Georgia Johnson, and Henley Markee.

Wes was a faithful servant who gave his best to his work, his country, his community, and most of all, his family. He will be deeply missed by those who were fortunate enough to share in his life.

A memorial service will be held on August 14 at 1:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Walburg, Texas. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Wes’s memory are invited to make a donation to Zion Lutheran School, a place that was meaningful to Wes and his family. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Delaney and Suncrest Hospice nurses and staff for the care, kindness, and support they provided.