Charles Linebarger

Charles Elmo Linebarger was reunited in heaven with his wife Bobbie on August 18, 2018. He was born on November 12, 1932 to James Elmo Linebarger and Estelle Gaines Linebarger in the (now) ghost town of Bomarton, Texas.Charlie arrived in Midland in 1937 along with his younger brother Jim and sister Jeannie. He developed a strong work ethic as a young boy by selling newspapers to help support the family. By age 10, his work carried him to the then Midland Army Air Field where he sold papers to the flight crews and families living on Base. As Charlie matured, so did his desire to be successful. His newspaper route grew exponentially once he moved from a bicycle to a Cushman scooter and to a Jeep. By the time he was in high school, his day would begin at 4 am by meeting the delivery truck carrying the Fort Worth Star Telegram and he would throw 400 papers before going to school. After school there were the Midland Reporter Telegram routes requiring him to throw another 1,600 papers each day. With hard work came success and he found himself not only being the sole provider for his mom and siblings but one of only three students at Midland High School with a car.In 1949, Charlie met Bobbie Collins and they became high school sweethearts graduating in 1951 and marrying in 1953. He received his Associates Degree from Odessa College. Uncle Sam interrupted Charlie's paper throwing days and he proudly served in the Army and was honorably discharged as a corporal. During service to his country, his first son David was born followed by Dan and daughter Kathy. The family grew one more time in the 1970s with son James Yorek joining the family.Charlie returned to the Midland Reporter Telegram following his discharge working in classifieds until joining Farmers Insurance in 1961. His strong work ethic, great sense of humor and firm commitment to his customers placed him as the number one Farmers agent in Texas for four straight years. He eventually became an Independent agent and a Real Estate Broker. Retirement from the Insurance and Real Estate industry brought many years of travel to him and Bobbie making lifelong friends around the country. All of whom he kept in touch with once they returned to Midland.Staying in touch with friends and family was important to Charlie and he was the driving force behind the Midland High School class of 1951 reunions.Charlie was a Christian and a member of Redeemer Christian Fellowship. He always reached out to help others whether they were family or friends or just someone he learned of that was in need. His gift of encouraging people, entertaining people and making all feel welcome was an extension of his Christian faith.He was preceded in death by his mother Estelle, father Elmo and grandson Aaron. He is survived by his brother Jim Linebarger and sister Jeannie Davlin; his sons James (Sharon) Yorek, David (Gena) Linebarger, Dan (Kim) Linebarger and daughter Kathy Graham.Charlie was a wonderful grandfather and Paw Paw to Charlie Yorek, Jennifer Yorek, Jeremy Linebarger, Ryan Linebarger, Cullen Linebarger, Caleb Graham and Callie (Bot) Abalos. He was also a very loving uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 22, 2018, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 23, 2018, at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Dick Spencer officiating. Interment will follow, next to Bobbie, in Resthaven North Cemetery, Midland, Texas.Pallbearers will be David Howard, Dennis Crawford, Dean Kelley, Tim Johnson, Allen Morris and Clyde Watson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ted Johnson, Spencer Blocker, Pat Munn, James Roberts, Ted Battles, Jay Allison, Thad Dulin and Frank Sheppard.The family extends a heart warm thank you to Cori Armstead, Hospice of Midland and Stephanie, Tricia, Shay et al. with Martha's Care for the loving care along with the many friends that supported Charlie in his last days.In lieu of flowers, Charlie would ask that you support Honor Flight of the Permian Basin, PO Box 52890 Midland, TX 79710-2890.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com .,