Charles L. Nelson

Dr. Charles L. Nelson

64, Avon, passed away October 25, 2014 in St. Vincent Hospital. Born February 2, 1950, in Terre Haute, he was the son of Jack Carter Nelson and Leota Gould Nelson Stachura. He married Patti Ellen Keene on June 7, 1975, and she survives. Charles graduated from Plainfield High School, Indiana University with an AB in Biological Science, Indiana University School of Dentistry, and received his postdoctoral Certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 1979, from Indiana University School of Dentistry and Medical Center Hospitals. He then entered the military with the United States Air Force serving at the USAF Regional Hospital at Carswell AFB in Texas, until 1982, leaving with a rank of Major. Dr. Nelson began working as full-time faculty for the Indiana University School of Dentistry as an Associate Professor; he also served as the Director of the Residency Training Program, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and as Chairman of the Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery for the Indiana University School of Dentistry and Medical Center Hospitals. From 1983 until 1994 he was the Assistant Director for the Craniofacial Anomalies Team at James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children. In 1994, he chose full-time private practice and was a partner at Avon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Avon, retiring in 2013. He had recently accepted the position of Interim-Chairman of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program at the IU School of Dentistry. Dr. Nelson was a member of the American Dental Association, Indiana Dental Association, Indianapolis District Dental Society, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (served as President 1988-89), Great Lakes Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Cleft Palate Association. He received many awards during his lifetime including Phi Eta Sigma Scholastic Honorary Fraternity from Indiana University, the Glenn J. Pell Memorial Scholastic Award from Indiana Society of Oral Surgeons, an Air Force Commendation Medal and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a dental honorary fraternity. Chuck was an avid woodworker and enjoyed sharing his work with family and friends. He enjoyed golf and was a member of the Prestwick Country Club and recently had been taking violin lessons. Survivors include his wife, Pat Nelson; son, Matthew Carter Nelson and wife, Candace; daughter, Erin Marie Stormer; grandchildren, Brianna and Jack Nelson, Will, Olivia and Patrick Stormer. Calling will be from 3:00-5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2014, at the Plainfield United Methodist Church, 600 Simmons St Plainfield, of which he and his wife are members. A memorial service will be at 5:30 p.m. in the church with the Reverend Charlie Wilfong officiating. Memorial gifts may be made to the Indiana University Foundation Graduate Oral Surgery Residency Fund and mailed to Ms. Pamela Lovejoy, IU School of Dentistry, 1121 W. Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46202... Online condolences may be made at http://www.bakerfuneralservice.com. Arrangements: Hall-Baker Funeral Home.