Thomas T. Charles

RICHMOND, Ind. – Thomas T. Charles, age 83, of Richmond, died Friday, February 14, 2014, at his home. Born December 21, 1930, in Hamilton, Ohio, to Cramer and Lena Gerggerson Charles, he lived most of his life in Wayne County. Tom was a 1948 graduate of Richmond High School. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving in the Korean War. Tom worked in the shop and was Store and Sales Manager at Rodefeld’s, retiring after 40 years. He was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, member of The Class of ‘48 Coffee Club, and former Chairman of the Rose Festival Car Show. Tom was a man full of talents. He worked with his hands all of his life, from a young boy on the farm, to projects at home. Tom’s mechanical skills began at a young age. He creatively built a motorized go-cart out of a Maytag washing machine. Tom’s skills and profound abilities were enjoyed by many, even naming him the “Doctor of Motors.” He had an infectious laugh and a sense of humor that will be remembered by all. Evelyn and Tom spent their winters in Mission, Texas since 2003 and enjoyed visiting St. Joe Island in Ontario, Canada. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Maier Charles, to whom he was married September 12, 1954; daughter, Diane (Shawn) Fell of Hawaii; son, Ed (Renee) Charles of Centerville; grandchildren, Rachel Charles, Jenny Davis, Veronica Life, Alexa Fell, and Christy Fell; great-grandchildren, Sarah Davis, Jackson Davis, Shelby Life, and Colten Life; and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Janice Charles and Marilyn Hogan; and brother, Jimmy Charles. Visitation for Thomas T. Charles will be from 4 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, February 16, 2014, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 17, 2014, at St. John Lutheran Church, 501 South 7th Street, Richmond, Indiana. Pastor Jim Culver will be officiating. Burial will be in Lutherania Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Richmond Community Food Pantry, 306 North 19th Street, Richmond, IN 47374 or Reid Foundation for the Hospice Program, 1100 Reid Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Thomas T. Charles

December 21, 1930 - February 14, 2014