The Funeral
For years, Charles Edward “Chuck” Katlic, Jr. has paid his respects to fallen military men. Now it is the public’s chance to return the favor, as the well-known Weatehrford man died Saturday night after a lengthy illness. He was 91.
Katlic, a World War II and Battle of the Bulge survivor and significant contributor to the community of Weatherford and Parker County, was perhaps best known for his diligence in placing American flags on the graves of fallen military every Memorial Day, placing more than 100,000 flags since 1999.
He was also well-known for spearheading and coordinating a program to transport disabled and indigent veterans to Dallas for medical treatment.
For his efforts at the American Legion Post 163, Katlic had a street named after him last year — Chuck Katlic Lane, the street that leads off Cartwright Park Road to the post’s new location.
“He’s done more for veterans here at the post and veterans in Parker or Palo Pinto county than anyone I know,” Post Commander Bill Mallory told the Democrat earlier this year. “He’s helped a number of other people as well and has been an inspiration to me.”
“There’s no way to even begin to start with everything he’s done in his life,” friend Tommy Creel said. “I met him about five years ago when I moved here after retiring from the navy.
“One of the first things I noticed was that he had that same little gleam in his eye and that wicked, mischievous grin that my grandfather had.”
Creel became fast friends with Katlic and his wife Ola. When Katlic’s health began to deteriorate, Creel was there to drive him and his wife to their appointments and Legion functions.
“A group of us used to meet in town twice a week and have breakfast at different places. I just got stuck to him,” Creel said.
Katlic was a regular at many events and, in addition to his duties for the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, also served as chairperson for the City of Weatherford Buildings and Standards Commission.
“To know the man was to love him,” Weatherford Mayor Dennis Hooks said of Katlic. “What an involved gentleman he was to the Legion and the City of Weatherford and the community. He was a great, great person, a mentor if you will, and was very involved in everything he did.”
Katlic also contributed heavily to the work of his church, Trinity Lutheran Church, serving two terms as president.
He leaves behind his wife, Ola; daughter, Charlene, and her husband; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family, and three siblings.
A funeral service for Katlic will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Lutheran, 1500 Ball St., Weatherford.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the American Legion Post 163 Hall, 200 Cartwright Park Rd., Weatherford.
