Charles Leonard Carneal's Obituary
Charles Leonard Carneal, affectionately known as “Charlie”, Big Chas”, and to his family as “Po” was born in Vickery , Texas (near current Greenville Ave. and Park Lane in Dallas) on June 12, 1919 to Virgil Eugene Carneal and Elvira Vera Carneal. He was a proud graduate of North Dallas High School, where he played baseball and was active in ROTC; he was later President of the Bulldog Club. He also attended SMU, as did his older brother and sister. Charlie was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church for over 50 years, including 40 years as a Lay Reader and member of the Choir, while serving several years as a member of the Vestry. He also served Lake Highlands High School, which his three children attended, as member and President of the Wildcat Club. Charlie was a proud WWII Veteran, serving for 39 months and participating in three amphibious landings in the Pacific Theater. Po was a devoted family man and once said that his main ambition in life was to marry and raise children. Marry he did, to Dorothy Mae Lindsey Carneal in Munger Place Methodist Church, and they were constant companions for over 67 years, treating each other with affection and respect. He actively participated in the lives of his three kids and was a loving presence to his four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was a dutiful, charming, courteous, decent, industrious, and sweet man who always had a smile, a joke, and a hug for those around him. He was preceded in death by his parents and by brother Virgil Carneal and sister Irene Carneal Penry. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; son Charles L. Carneal, Jr. and grandchildren Lindsey Lohn and Matthew Charles Carneal; son David Wayne Carneal, wife Lisa Krajewski Carneal, granddaughter Page Carneal Allen and great-granddaughter Charlee; daughter Carolyn Hensler Carneal, husband William Hensler, granddaughter Kelly Hensler Friede and husband Matt; he is also survived by niece Penny Penry; niece Pat Penry Dashiell (to whom he was like a second father) and husband Stan Cullick ; and a nephew, Mike Penry. He was a beloved man who touched hundreds of people along his way and will be greatly missed. The family will have visitation Saturday, November 28, from 9:30 – 10:30 am at Restland Funeral Home. Graveside ceremonies will follow at 11 am. There will be an opportunity for folks to say a few words if they wish, an Honor Guard will play “Taps” and present the flag to Dorothy, and Father David Houcke of St. John’s Episcopal Church will lead the burial service. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243
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