In Memory Of
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Dr. Charles B. Hermesch, (Colonel, USAF, Retired)
San Antonio, Texas
06/24/1950 - 05/30/2024
Dr. Charles B. Hermesch (Chuck) of San Antonio, Texas, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, dentist, dental colleague, mentor to dental students, and cherished friend to many, departed this life on May 30, 2024. Born in Seneca, Kan. to Henry and Antoinette (Niehues) Hermesch, he was raised on the family farm and spent his childhood in Kansas. He graduated from Kelly High School in 1968, Kansas State University (Bachelor of Science) in 1972 and Washington University School of Dental Medicine (DMD) in 1976.
On July 4, 1976, Chuck was sworn into service as a captain in the United States Air Force Dental Service (AFDS) where he served for 20 years, retiring at the rank of colonel. Chuck had professional assignments at Dover Air Force Base (AFB), Dover, Del.; Wilford Hall Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas; the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.; Soesterberg AFB, Soesterberg, Netherlands; Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Ind. (Research Fellowship); and Wilford Hall Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas. In 1996, Chuck retired from the AFDS and joined the University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Dentistry as an associate professor. For 20 years, he taught and mentored future dentists and often said it was the “best assignment” of his career.
Chuck married Barbara Baldwin in 1977 and they enjoyed 46 years of married life. In 1987, Kevin was born in Amersfoort, Netherlands while Chuck was assigned to Soesterberg AFB. The assignment in the Netherlands made it possible to meet many relatives and research Hermesch family history. With Barbara serving as translator, they made numerous successful trips to the family home in Damme, Germany. When their son Kevin was a student at Saint Mary’s Hall. Chuck was an assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 436. He treasured this special ‘dad-time’ with Kevin, sharing scout experiences, and was a sponsor for many Texas-area camping trips as well as extended trips to Camp Alexander, Colo.; Bear Creek, Texas; Northern Tier, Minn.; and Philmont, NM. In retirement he was also a volunteer trail guide for the San Antonio Park District. Barbara and Chuck enjoyed riding Rails to Trails in Colorado, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Chuck cared for his precious granddaughter, Sophia, for many months when she was an infant and had just returned from a two-week visit with Kevin, Deborah, and Sophia on May 29th. Their bond was truly special.
Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Baldwin of San Antonio; and their son Kevin, his wife Deborah, and their daughter Sophia of Alexandria, Va.; sister Jane Hermesch Sextro (husband Michael) of The Woodlands, Texas and their daughter Jamie Sextro Truett (husband Randy) of Ashland, Ky. and their children Ryan, Alyssa and Kylie; brother Dan Hermesch (wife Jan) of Hiawatha, Kan. and their children Michelle Hermesch Fangman (husband Michael) of Seneca, Kan. and Robert (Bob) Hermesch (wife Anamarie) of Hiawatha, Kan.; and sister Susan Hermesch Dannels of San Antonio, Texas and her children Natasha Grady-Greene (wife Kathleen) and their children, Jackson, Emmett, Tristan, Emberlee, Millie, Dax and Blake of Georgetown Texas and Dr. Natalie Greene Robertson (husband Josh) and their sons Evan and Gunnar of San Antonio, Texas; as well as numerous great nieces and nephews, and cousins.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Antoinette Hermesch and his brother Robert.
A rosary will be held on Thursday June 6th at 7:00 p.m. CT at Lauer Funeral Home, 212 South 4th Street, Seneca, Kan. 66538. The memorial service and burial with full military honors will be celebrated at St. Bede’s Church, Kelly, Kan. on Friday June 7, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. CT. Chuck was an avid reader and credits much of his professional success to the long hours he spent in libraries. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Seneca Free Library, 606 Main Street, Seneca, Kan. 66538.
A rosary will be held on Thursday June 6th at 7:00 p.m. CT at Lauer Funeral Home, 212 South 4th Street, Seneca, Kan. 66538. The memorial service and burial with full military honors will be celebrated at St. Bede’s Church, Kelly, Kan. on Friday June 7, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. CT. Chuck was an avid reader and credits much of his professional success to the long hours he spent in libraries. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Seneca Free Library, 606 Main Street, Seneca, Kan. 66538.
A rosary will be held on Thursday June 6th at 7:00 p.m. CT at Lauer Funeral Home, 212 South 4th Street, Seneca, Kan. 66538. The memorial service and burial with full military honors will be celebrated at St. Bede’s Church, Kelly, Kan. on Friday June 7, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. CT. Chuck was an avid reader and credits much of his professional success to the long hours he spent in libraries. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Seneca Free Library, 606 Main Street, Seneca, Kan. 66538.
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Condolences
Jane, Dan and Susan,
Heartfelt condolences on hearing about Chuck’s sudden passing. Knowing his career and passion for learning was always an inspiration for the neighboring Retteles. What a full life Chuck lived and always in a caring and genuine manner. Peace be with you and his family.
Barbara, Kevin, Deborah, Sophia, Bob, and Hermesch family,
The McEntire family sends its deepest sympathy. I had the pleasure of knowing Chuck on many levels; as a student, colleague, and friend. I am a better dentist, person, and father because of Chuck’s influence, mentorship, and friendship over these years.
Ruth, Jay, Emily and I are praying that you find strength and comfort during this time.
With Love,
The McEntire family
Barbara, Kevin, Deborah, Sophia, Bob, and Hermesch family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. May God all mighty give you the fortitude to bear this loss. Chuck was a very nice man. He introduced me into animal research studies when I arrive here in UTHSA, and since then, we’ve been friends.
Chuck, may your kind and gentle soul Rest In Perfect Peace.
With love,
Ben Amaechi & family.
Chuck was a dear friend and colleague! I feel honored to have worked with him in GPG 8 and in the AGD. His stories and laughter brought us all great joy! I particularly enjoyed sharing tails of camping and our favorite trails ! My heart goes out to his family! May his memory be a blessing !!
To the Hermesch Family, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Dr. Hermesch was one of my core faculty during my last two years of dental school and a major reason I was able to make it through. He was a wonderful dentist but an even better person. He will be deeply missed but his memory and his impact he left on so many people on this Earth will live on forever. My sincerest condolences to your family.
-Michael Salas
My deepest sympathies to all of the Hermesch family. Dr Hermesch was one, if not the, kindest human beings I’ve ever encountered in my life. He not only mentored me through dental school but cared for me as a person. He helped me through tough times and also helped me to get into orthodontic residency. Dr Hermesch made the world a better place and I am forever grateful for his guidance, kindness and friendship. Thank you Dr Hermesch for being such a strong and positive force on my life! -Blake Sherrick
Chuck was a wonderful friend, dentist, and person. He had a great respect for everyone, he loved his job and loved people. Those who knew and worked with him will miss this kind, generous person. May God Bless him and his family.
It was my pleasure to have known Chuck as a colleague and academician. I enjoyed our conversations and learned from his insights. He was inspirational to both students and faculty and respected by both. Chuck was an incredibly warm and kind person, which made him an outstanding teacher and mentor. My sincerest condolences to his family. I am truly sorry for your loss.
I’ve never known a kinder, more gentle man than Chuck Hermesch. He was a superb clinical dentist and was totally compassionate in his care. Chuck and I were residents at Wilford Hall together, and as you would guess, he was at the top of our group of eight. I can hardly believe you have left us, Chuck. The world will be poorer with your passing, and we will certainly miss your smiling face and always friendly spirit at our monthly Retired Air Force Dentist breakfast God bless you in heaven and bless your wonderful family and all your friends you have left here to carry on without you.
Deepest sympathy to the Hermesch family. I truly valued his high school friendship.