Capt. Charles "Charlie" Newton

Capt. Charles "Charlie" Newton

May 15, 1939 - July 17, 2025

Charles Newton, age 86, of Portland, Texas, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on May 15, 1939, to Oscar and Ruby Elizabeth (Ruble) Newton in Dallas, Texas, Charles lived a rich, full life with many stories to tell. From pouring concrete to driving an 18-wheeler for over a million miles, he was no stranger to hard work. But it was on the water that Capt. Charlie truly found his calling.

For 38 years, Capt. Charlie was the heart of Redfish Charters as a highly sought after fishing guide along the Rockport coast. During this time, he guided countless clients, families, and newcomers to the sport he loved so deeply. He taught generations how to fish with patience, wisdom, and the kind of no-nonsense honesty that earned both respect and lifelong loyalty. His absolute favorite was to take children and young people out in the bay and "ruin" them by having them hook into a big red. He would tell people that once he got the kids hooked on fishing, they wouldn't have the time or desire to get into anything else. He also donated countless trips for people in need, charitable organizations, and children with life threatening illnesses.

He often said, "You never know until you throw," a reminder of both the mystery of what lies beneath the water and the importance of taking chances in life.

A man of great faith, Charlie lived by his convictions and shared them with quiet strength. He was unapologetically straightforward, always had a few jokes to lighten the moment, and was happiest reminiscing about his adventures. Charlie's creativity and dedication extended beyond the boat. He loved taking discarded lead and crafting it into every type of sinker or weight an angler could ever need, a simple act that mirrored his ability to turn life's scraps into something useful and lasting. In the quiet of his workshop, he would take discarded pieces of lead, what others saw as useless, and transform them into sinkers and weights of every kind.

For Charlie, this was more than just a way to support fellow anglers; it was an expression of his Christian faith. He believed that just as God redeems what the world casts aside, so too could something broken be made useful again. With steady hands, he poured, shaped, and refined each piece, turning waste into something purposeful. It was a quiet ministry of sorts, a reflection of his belief that nothing is beyond restoration when placed in the right hands.

He is survived by the love of his life of 47 years, Beverly; his daughter Chelcie (Newton) Shamon and her husband Joey, who lovingly cared for them both; grandchildren Allycia (Oliver) Pagano (husband Giovanni) and Capt. Aerich Oliver (wife Tasia); his brother Damon Newton (Penny); daughters Sheila (Newton) Jenkins and Phyllis (Newton) Adams; and a large, beloved family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended relatives, and generations of fishing friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to Aransas County Humane Society. Your support and kindness during this time are deeply appreciated.

Capt. Charlie will be remembered for his faith, his fierce love for family, his humor, his honesty, and the legacy he left in every cast line, every sinker made, and every story told on the bay or next to his chair. His presence will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

A memorial service will be held at Coastal Oaks Community Church in Fulton, Texas on Thursday, July 24th at 2pm. We hope you'll join us in celebrating a life so well lived.

Tight lines to you and may all your fish be keepers.