Charles Albert Goebel

Charles Albert Goebel, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away at his home on July 14, 2025, at the age of 68.

Charles was born on December 28, 1956, at St. David’s Hospital in Austin, the eldest son of the late James and Lois Goebel. He was baptized at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Austin and lived in both Kansas and Houston with his family. He returned to Austin to receive his bachelor's degree from the University of Texas in 1980. Though he initially majored in Radio, Television & Film, he changed his major to Geological Sciences after falling in love with an elective geology course. Charles began his career as a geologist in the Permian Basin in Midland, Texas.

After nearly two years working in arid Midland, Charles found an opportunity at ARCO International Oil & Gas Co. and moved to Los Angeles in 1981. The move proved fateful when Charles met his future wife, Sandra Felsenstein, at Shakey’s Pizza Parlor in West Hollywood. Charles and Sandra were married in 1983 and moved to Dubai, United Arab Emirates after he was transferred there for work. The couple had two children, James Sebastian and Amanda Christine, in Dubai. After 5 years in the Middle East, the family returned to Texas and settled in Plano (which he called “Draino”) in 1989, where their second daughter Clara Elena was born in 1994.

A proud Texan, Charles was a highly intelligent man and avid reader who loved good music, good food, and good wine. In his early adulthood, he loved playing tennis, biking, scuba diving in Bonaire, and teaching his kids how to fish. A scientist at heart, he also had an appreciation for art and history. Traveling was in his blood, and he found excitement and fulfillment in his work as an international petroleum geologist. His job took him all over the world- to Greenland, Oman, Morocco, Turkey, Syria, Qatar, and Ecuador, among others. Outside of travelling for business, Charles explored Europe, South America, and Asia, both solo and with his family. A naturally curious person, Charles was always open to exploring new foods, languages, and cultures.

Charles was quietly generous with his kindness, his time, and with charitable donations. He was a thoroughly decent and honorable man who always tried to do the right thing for the right reasons, never seeking recognition or to impress others. Raised in the Lutheran church, Charles took his position as the eldest son of four very seriously and tried to set a good example for his siblings and children. He was a hardworking man who tried to do right by his family and his friends, and never hesitated to help others if he could. A natural teacher, he loved sharing his knowledge, whether about geology, science, or history (especially Texas history). He was a thoughtful and considerate man who cared deeply about how his words and actions affected others. Charles let people be. He met people where they were.

He enjoyed being in nature, the mountains of New Mexico, and heading out on the open road of the entire country in search of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants with his youngest daughter, Clara. As he grew older, Charles continued to enjoy the thrill of riding his Porsche on the open road, but also appreciated the quieter moments of solving crossword puzzles or watching UT sports and old westerns like The Lone Ranger. He enjoyed connecting with family at reunions and catching up with his family and friends. He cherished his daughter Clara’s singing voice and often listened to the recorded songs from the choir. Most recently he had come out of semi-retirement and was invigorated by working on oil deals for his company, Santa Rita Energy, once again.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Lois Obermiller Goebel (2007) and James William Goebel (2009), and his brother Paul Joseph Goebel (2015). He is survived by his daughters Amanda and Clara, his son Sebastian, his ex-wife and best friend Sandra Felsenstein, and his siblings Helen and Richard Goebel, along with three nephews, Jake, Gus, and Wyatt Goebel.

In remembrance of Charles' life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Lutheran World Relief. 

His services will be held on August 2, 2025, at 11 AM at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, located at 606 West 15th Street, Austin, TX 78701.

For those who cannot attend the service in person but would like to stream it online, please click the following link:  https://tinyurl.com/4zp44eck 

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