Charles Edgar Fikes

Charles Fikes, of Bryan, Texas, passed away September 12, 2025, at the age of 86.

Charles Fikes, beloved husband, father, and Grampy, went home to be with the Lord after a life filled with love, faith, and devotion to family.

Charles was born and raised in Ballinger, Texas, in a loving Christian home surrounded by his parent and his siblings. After graduating from high school, he began working in the oil fields, eventually moving to Midland, Texas, where his life changed forever. It was there that he met the love of his life, Sue. Just three months after meeting, Charles and Sue married, beginning a beautiful marriage that would span 64 years.

In 1961, Charles was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he proudly served until 1963. While stationed away from home, Sue wrote to share the joyful news that they were expecting their first child. Their daughter Tracy was born in 1962, and Charles met her for the first time when she was two months old. A few years later, their second blessing arrived, their daughter, Sheri, was born in 1966 and completed their family.

Following his service, Charles chose a new path. Rather than returning to the oil field, he attended cosmetology school, and soon after, he and Sue purchased a school in Snyder, Texas, from Jessie Bowden. With vision and determination, they dreamed of creating something greater. In 1971, at the young ages of 32 and 29, Charles and Sue moved to Bryan/College Station, where they founded Charles & Sue’s School of Hair Design on Main Street in Bryan. Later relocating to Briarcrest Drive, the school flourished, becoming a fixture of the community. Over the past 54 years, more than 3,000 students have been enrolled, with over 2,000 successfully graduating—leaving a legacy of opportunity and growth that will endure for generations.

In the early 90's he officially became infatuated with horses which led to him and the love of his life purchasing a ranch which they promptly named "New Beginnings". Like all of his business ventures, this new beginning was wildly successful and brought an immense amount of joy as he bred and raced Quarter Horses. Where Charles loved being surrounded by his animals be it Rush their cat, or his two dogs Coco and Izzy.

Charles will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his dedication to his family, and the love and commitment he shared with Sue. His life was a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the power of a shared dream.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sue; his daughter and son-in-law Frank & Tracy Gilstrap, and granddaughters Kylee & Katelyn, his daughter and son-in-law Scott & Sheri Collins and grandson Brett, and his nephew Daryl Fikes. He is also survived by his ranch hand Francisco Mejia, and three very special women LaToya Khrone, Jackie Owens, and Katy Morrow. As well as many more family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Homer, and Mae Fikes; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert, and Mary Fikes; his brother, H.C. Fikes; his sister, Opal Vindiola; his best friend, Jerry Davis; and many other beloved family members and friends.

Charles’s impact on his family, community, and countless students will never be forgotten. His memory will continue to live on in the lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home and Crematory on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m.