Charles E. Mullins ’54

Chuck died Nov. 17, 2024, after a distinguished career as a pioneer in pediatric cardiology.

He prepared at Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C., where he was active in football and sports management.

At Princeton, he majored in chemistry, was active in the Pre-Med Society and Chemistry Club, and joined Cannon Club. He played 150-pound football for three years.

Chuck married Arlene F. Sutherland June 19, 1954, and entered George Washington School of Medicine. Upon graduation he held an internship, pediatric and cardiology residencies, and a cardiology research fellowship. He served four years as the only pediatric cardiologist in the U.S. Army in Europe, and then as assistant chief of cardiology at Walter Reed Hospital for two years.

Chuck joined Baylor College of Medicine’s pediatric cardiology department in 1969. He trained fellows, developed devices and techniques for treating congenital heart defects, published widely, and cared for patients, becoming known as the father of modern pediatric interventional cardiology. He retired in 2006.

Though Chuck was born in DC, he lived a “got-to-Texas-soon-as-he-could” life. Forever in his boots, Chuck loved motorcycles, guns, beer, and Aggie football. He and Arlene enjoyed attending their grandchildren’s dance team events, T-ball, football, track, water polo, swim meets, percussion concerts, and Boy Scout activities.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 70 years, Arlene; sons Charles Jr. and Bob; daughter Sandie; four grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.