Charles Athié was born in St. Louis in 1930, at the old City Hospital. His family moved to Mexico City shortly after, and he lived there until he and his family returned to St. Louis when he was a teenager. In Mexico City as a young child, he was recognized by his teacher for his drawing skills. When he was 6 years old he attended a soccer match with his father and brother at Park Asturias where the stadium caught fire and burnt to the ground, and they emerged unscathed. He played soccer at an early age through high school, and later was a coach. He also enjoyed baseball, and worked in concessions at the old Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis as a young teenager. Later Charles served in the Air Force in Korea, at the Pusan Air force base guarding the redtail jets on the base.
With an interest in art, design, and engineering, he spoke about his voyage back to the States from Korea and the joy of seeing the Golden Gate bridge emerge through the fog upon his arrival. He returned to St. Louis and started his university studies, earning a bachelors Southern Illinois University at Carbondale where he had the good fortune to study under Buckminster Fuller and Josef Albers. Charles loved Classical Music, Jazz, and show tunes. He met his bride-to-be Jane (Barnard) at a dance in South St. Louis and they were married in April of 1967. He worked for the US government with the Corp of Engineers in the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) and served twice as chair of the Hispanic Employment Program Manager at the Aerospace Center and in various voluntary leadership roles helping the marginalized, refugees, and new Americans gain housing, education, and secure employment. He was a supporter of civil rights and human rights having experienced and witnessed discrimination firsthand throughout his life. He approached all aspects of his life with a strong sense of empathy.
Charles was an earnest man, Grandfather, Father, Brother, Friend to many, Veteran, Coach, and overall Gentleman. He led a long and meaningful life, and he enriched so many other lives with his kindness and good deeds. His greatest joy in life came in his later years, watching his grandchildren grow up and become kind and caring people before his eyes. While he will be missed, he made the world a better place. His life is a cause for celebration; tears of joy should far outnumber any tears of sorrow. That’s what he would want.
He is survived by his children Carlos and spouse Sophia, Juana and spouse Edwin, Marco and his spouse Alyssa; five grandchildren: Clara, Dorothy, Olivier, Béla and Levin; his sister Alicia Seeley and brother Anthony Athié; and his many nieces and nephews who he held close to his heart. As Charles always strived to live by the golden rule, the kindness and empathy he passed on to his children and grandchildren will continue to bloom and grow far beyond his years on earth. He is preceded in death by his wife Jane, his brother Hector, his sister Marina, his parents Marie L. Athié and Alexander Athié. He will live in the hearts and minds of those who loved him.
Services: Charles will be laid to rest on January 28, 2026 at 12:30pm at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Road St. Louis, MO 63125. On Friday, January 30, 10:00 am, mass at Christ the King Parish, 9235 S. Hamilton Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to: International Institute St. Louis or Nine PBS St. Louis or L’Arche St. Louis
A Kutis South County Chapel Service