December 02, 1929 January 22, 2019
December 02, 1929 -- January 22, 2019

Charles Dewey Suitt

Charles Dewey Suitt joined the heavenly choir on January 22, 2019. Born December 2, 1929 in Nacogdoches, Texas, he grew up in Silsbee, Texas, and studied music and engineering at what is now Lamar University. He played the French horn in the orchestra and was a member of the a capella choir. He studied piano and organ, played sousaphone in the high school band and piano in dance band. His career began in Southeast Texas as a professional draftsman and custom builder. As a real estate broker he worked in both residential and commercial real estate. He used his skills as a light aircraft pilot to scout sites for restaurant chains and Eckerd Drugs from California to the Midwest. He later did financial work related to real estate for financial institutions, retiring as an analyst in the Real Estate Division of Fannie Mae. In retirement, he served on the Citizens Review Board of the Dallas Central Appraisal District. Charles lived a rich and full life directing choirs in small churches, studying astrology, traveling abroad with singing groups, developing computer skills which he used in business, pampering his beloved cats, and enjoying his family of five generations. He was known for his calligraphy and musical limericks. As an amateur writer, his column on astrology was published in Houston Town & Country magazine. In the early days of the internet he wrote columns for the Fort Worth Star Telegram and was named "Startext Columnist of the Year" for 1992. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Effie Hetherington Suitt, and sister, Barbara Shine. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Patricia Shockley Suitt; his brother, the Honorable Franklin Suitt (Dee); three daughters, Sandi Cowman (Randy), Rhonda Rawlings (Rick), Charla Lindsey (Kent), and stepson, Jay Koonce; six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, three nieces and two nephews. Services will be Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, 9800 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230 at 10:00 a.m. In memory of Charles, donations may be made to his beloved choral groups, the music ministries of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Highland Park Presbyterian Church, the Plano Civic Chorus and the Dallas Symphony Chorus. Friends from Charles' singing groups are invited to participate. Rehearsal at 9:00 a.m. prior to the service.