Charles Kahookele Jr.

Charles Kekoa Kahookele, Jr.

Our beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend, left this mortal earth on November 17, 2015. Charles Kekoa Kahookele, Jr. passed at his Killeen, TX residence with his wife by his side. Known to most as Kele, Charles is survived by his father, Charles Kahookele, Sr.; three brothers, Vincent Kahookele, Walter Kahookele, and John Kahookele; wife, Denise Kahookele (White); two sons, Charles Kahookele, III and Kimo Kahookele; daughter, Kalena Willey (Kahookele) and son-in-law, Troy Willey; granddaughter (Katelyn Kahookele); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services with military honors will be 10am Wednesday, November 25th at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX. A remembrance reception will be held following the service, from 12pm to 2pm, at Shilo Inn Suites Hotel in Killeen, TX. Though appreciated, flowers are unnecessary.

Charles was born on November 20, 1947. Growing up on Oahu, HI, he balanced his responsibilities to his family, education, and love of playing sports. He graduated from Farrington High School in Honolulu, HI in 1968, and was shortly thereafter drafted into the US Army. He proudly served for over 23 years, while honorably serving two tours to Vietnam. Charles was afforded the opportunity to be stationed at Fort Hood, TX; Mannheim, Germany; Fort Ord, CA; and Giebelstadt, Germany. Upon retiring as a 1SG in 1992, Charles quickly transitioned to civilian life working with Dynacorp as a helicopter mechanic. Through changing government contracts, he worked with Lockheed Martin, M2, and DS2. Charles worked up to the day he was diagnosed with cancer.

His coworkers will agree, he was dedicated and hardworking…arriving at work 15 minutes before his shift started was running late. He was particular about keeping areas clean and orderly. Charles took great pride in his work and reputation, a quality that rubbed off on all those that respected and loved him.

Work aside, Charles' priority in life was his family. Being able to provide for his family was most important. Married for 41 years, Charles and Denise experienced adventures in various countries, states, and cities. He made it a point to enjoy wherever the Army and life took him. Never one to complain, he made the best of any situation and ensured his family never went without. A man of few words, you still knew you were loved and he would do anything, be anywhere, if you needed him. He went out of his way to help others through giving his time, efforts, and whatever was necessary.
He was a collector of many things. Charles was an avid runner, participating in marathons, volksmarches, and was privileged to carry the Olympic Torch through part Central of Texas for the 1996 Summer Olympics. In his mature years, he enjoyed all things wine and visiting various local and national wineries. Charles was passionate about NASCAR, watching every race on TV and winning the chance to meet Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Charles, Kele, Jr., Dad, or honey, however you know him as, he is our son, brother, husband, father, and friend. Help us honor him by remembering how he positively impacted and affected your life. Loved Before, Loved Now, Loved Forever. Thank you Charles for everything you gave!

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