Obituary of Charles Finley Kaough

Charles Finley “Bubba” Kaough, 70, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2019 in Austin, Texas.  He had been ill for some time and in hospice care the last several months. 

He was born to Sibyl Carter Kaough and Charles Herbert Kaough on September 4, 1948 in Houston, Texas.  As a young child, Charles was diagnosed with what was then called Mental Retardation, now called Developmental Disability, believed to be caused by brain damage from a difficult delivery.  Charles’ parents divorced soon after his diagnosis.  Charles’ mother got remarried in 1950 to Forrest Gail Oliver, who was an excellent father to Charles.   Charles lived 64 of his 70 years in State Supported Living Centers, first at Austin State School, then Travis State School, and later Richmond State School (which his mother and stepdad, along with other Houston area families, lobbied to establish).  The last 14 years Charles resided back at the Austin State Supported Living Center (AuSSLC, formerly called Austin State School) to be closer to family members following his parents’ passing. 

Charles is survived by his half-sister Darlene Oliver Moore, his brother-in-law Scott Moore and his nephews, Forrest and Colin Moore, Forrest Moore’s wife Holly Moore and their sons, Forrest and Kolton Moore, of Georgetown and Liberty Hill, Texas. 

Charles had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed teasing the AuSSLC staff with his balloon popping, when they least expected it!  He loved listening to Country Music, a love he learned from his stepdad.  Watching train videos was a hobby as well.  Prior to his Retirement, Charles enjoyed making money at the on-campus workshop.  He also enjoyed shopping in Austin and attending dances at the AuSSLC Neo’s Club.  Charles enjoyed celebrating special occasions and holidays and visits with his family.  “Bubba” made us all better people and he will be greatly missed by all the staff and residents at his home and by all his family members, who loved him dearly.

Charles’ family would like to thank the caring, compassionate staff and volunteers of the Austin State Supported Living Center, as well as those at the Richmond State Supported Living Center, for the love and devotion they have shown Charles throughout his life.  The family is also grateful to the staff and nurses of Hospice Austin who greatly added to his comfort and quality of life in recent months.

Memorial Contributions in Charles’ name may be sent to the Mary Elizabeth Butt Educational Fund through infoatourparttexas.com and this link  http://www.ourparttexas.com/donate/ .  This tax-deductible fund is established to educate policymakers, clinicians, the media, and the public of the need for a comprehensive system that includes residential care for our most vulnerable Texans.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at the All-Faiths Chapel of the Austin State Supported Living Cente, located at 2203 W. 35th St., Austin, Texas 78703.