Charles Lee Berny

Today, 06:00 AM

Charles Lee ‘Charlie’ Berny

Sept. 19, 1947 Nov. 29, 2025

Charles Lee Berny, fondly known as Charlie, was born Sept. 19, 1947, in Edinburg, Texas, to Bill and Annie Berny. One of nine children and an identical twin, Charlie grew up in the Rio Grande Valley in a farming family. From a young age, he was no stranger to hard work and grit, a trait evidenced throughout his entire life story.

Charlie moved to Denton to attend the University of North Texas, where he worked at the ACME Brick Company stacking bricks to put himself through college. It was there he met his soulmate, Jan Brownfield. After graduation, they married on July 18, 1970.

Charlie was peacefully called home on Nov. 29, 2025, with the love of his life nearby. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jan; and his children: Clint (Kim) Berny, Kenneth (Mary Ann) Berny, and Joanna (Brady) Marsh. He was the proud grandfather to Chase House, Trent Berny, Max Ximenez, Sophia Berny, Gemma Marsh, and Luke Marsh. He is also survived by his siblings: Mary (Les) Rydl of Alamo, Dottie (Mike) Fabian of McAllen, and Doug (Tracie) Berny of Franklin, TN. Charles was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Kenneth, Sonny, Barbara, Billy, and his identical twin, Wayne.

To say Charlie was a “jack of all trades” is an understatement. He embraced an entrepreneurial mindset and had no fear of taking risks to build his success. Charlie’s diverse occupations ranged from commercial fishing and ranch management to education. He also served as the vocational coordinator at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, helping inmates learn vocational skills to gain employment after their release. Charlie Berny was the true essence of a servant leader.

He started his teaching career as a shop teacher in St. Charles, Missouri, went on to teach in Sabine Pass, and later landed in Boerne, Texas. He instilled practical skills in his students that led to many award-winning projects.

“Mr. Berny” became more than a name at Boerne Middle School, and his class was more than just a vocational course. He had an undeniable presence and was passionate about the influence, character, and life lessons he passed along to the many students whose lives he touched. Charlie devoted much of his life in Boerne to the youth of the community, not only as an educator but through his decades of support as a Top Ten Buyer at the Kendall County Jr. Livestock Association sale.

Charlie also spent years as the ranch manager of 1,700 acres in Bulverde, running cattle,