Charles Allen Kotrla

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, August 1, 2015 in Howard - Glendale Chapel, Houston, TX for Charles “Charlie” Allen Kotrla who peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by family. He was 55 years old. Son of Ruben and Annie Kotrla, Charlie was born on September 11, 1959 in Houston, Texas. He grew up in Channelview, Texas & graduated from Channelview High School, moving to Louisiana in 1995. Charlie was married on December 1, 1978, to his soul mate & best friend, Judy “Diane” Helmer Kotrla, until her passing on July 21, 2005. Together they had 2 children; a son, Marshall and daughter, Rachel. “CharlieMan”, as his friends called him, was Nascars biggest fan. He especially looked forward to his annual Talladega trip making cherished memories with his buddies. He treasured his time spent with his grandson, Cooper, who brought much joy into his life. Charlie loved sharing good times with friends. Charlie began his career in the offshore coatings industry with the bulk of these years at MSI in Lafayette, Louisiana. In 2007, he became co-owner, along with Tim Meaux and Mike Fogleman, of CleanBlast LLC in Crowley, Louisiana. Charlie is survived by his son, Marshall Allen Kotrla of Maurice, La, his daughter, Rachel Kotrla Landry and her husband Chris of Maurice, La and a very special grandson, Cooper Joseph Landry, one brother, Calvin Kotrla and his wife, Sherlyn. He is preceded in death by his parents Ruben and Annie Kotrla, his loving wife of 27 years, Judy “Diane” Helmer Kotrla, and a brother, Ronald Kotrla. Charlie was a gentle and kind soul and will be greatly missed by many. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Delhomme Funeral Home in Maurice, La. from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm with a rosary recital at 7:00 pm and will continue on Friday, July 31 at Howard - Glendale Chapel, 1015 Federal Road, Houston, Texas 77015 from 12:00 Noon to 9:00 pm and continue on Saturday from 9:00 am until time of service. Pallbearers will be Chris Landry, Randy Tankersly, Calvin Kotrla, Michael Fogleman, Linus Vallery and Stanley Smith. Charlie will be laid to rest in the Bold Springs Cemetery in Livingston, Texas at a 2:30 pm committal service. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and a special thank you to Amy Smith, Charlie’s “2nd daughter”, for her unselfish time, help and love throughout the years. To Charlie’s caregiver, Shannon Nicholas, for her years of kindness, patience and understanding - A heartfelt thank you. We would also like to thank Hospice of Acadiana for their compassionate care. “GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES” Personal condolences may be sent to the Kotrla family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 200 Chief H. Fred Road, Maurice, LA is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Charles Allen Kotrla

September 11, 1959 - July 28, 2015