Roll Call Tribute

Mason Funeral Home obituary
204 PostOak St.
Mason, Texas 76856
Phone: 325-347-5506
Fax: 325-347-6952

Charles Pluenneke
(June 24, 1932 - April 26, 2016)

Charles Evans Hughes Pluenneke was born on June 24th, 1932 and passed from this life on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at the age of 83. He was born to Charles Conrad Pluenneke and Florence Nettie Geistweidt in Fredericksburg, Texas. He was a lifetime member of the united Methodist Church in Mason, Texas. Charles’s great-grandfather was Conrad Pluenneke was an early Methodist preacher and homesteader who traveled the Methodist circuit (about 70 miles) on horseback serving and visiting families in the Hilda community.

Charles graduated from Mason High School in 1949 where he participated in football, basketball, and track. He enrolled in Texas A&M in 1949, and graduated in May of 1953. He was involved in the Ross Volunteers, honor and drill team, and in many agriculture activities. After graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant (US Army) in the field artillery. He served in the 273rd field artillery battalion in New Ulm, Bavaria, Germany until late 1955. After being released in 1955, he served in the Army Reserves until 1958.

Charles moved back to Mason and was employed by the ASCS (Agriculture Conservation and Stabilization Service) office from November 1, 1955 until his retirement in July 1990. After his retirement in 1990, he began full time ranching activities, and continued until 2 weeks prior to his death.

Charles was an avid runner for about 30 years, and he participated in a number of marathons. He was active in road races over the area, and also participated in many senior and masters events around the state. He was one of the organizers of the Hill Country Classic Meet held in Mason for 25 years.

Charles was actively involved in the Mason County Stock Show for many years and enjoyed helping Mason County youth with their projects.

Charles was a member of the James River Cowboys, which was an informal group of men that Charles knew most of his life. This group usually met together once a year to go fishing on the Llano River. Members of that group were and are; George Keller, Edwin Ince, Waddie Jordan, Carl Martin, Gene Zesch, Harvey Zesch, Max Hey, Wayne Keller and Jimmy Jordan.

Charles was involved in many choir activities. He organized the Mason County Men’s Choir, and participated in the German Hymnfest. He also sang for many years in the Methodist church Choir.

Charles was active in many civic affairs in Mason. He served as Jaycee President, President of the Mason Hospital Board, President of the Historical Society, member of Mason Library board, member of the Mason square Museum Board, and director of the Mason National Bank for many years. Charles was also one of the first organizers of the Methodist Men’s group, Sunday school teacher, School Board President and Lay Leader. Charles was also a member and director of the Mason Emmaus Community.

Charles is survived by his wife Barbara Pluenneke of Mason; two sons, Pat Pluenneke and wife Janie of Liberty Hill, Ron Pluenneke and wife Donna of Huffman and a sister Joan Whitaker of Mason. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Konrad, Haley, Jaycie, Pierce and Peyton.

Visitation with the family will be Thursday evening from 4 to 7 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Friday, April; 29, at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Mason. Interment will follow in the Hilda Cemetery.