Charles Mason Nelson

Charles Mason Nelson, 97, of Indianapolis, passed away July 10th, 2024. He was born in Indianapolis on December 26th, 1926, to parents Arthur and Rosa (Melvin) Nelson. 

Charles grew up in Indiana and graduated from Arsenal Technical HS of Indianapolis. He continued his education at IUPUI, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He later attended Purdue to earn a MS degree in Electrical Engineering.

Charles proudly served his country in the United States Army in Manila after the liberation of the Philippines.

After his honorable discharge, Charles began his career at Diamond Chain where he trained to become a machinist. His strong interest in electronics led him to attend night school and earn an Electrical Engineering degree. The management of Diamond Chain encouraged Charles to pursue a career with a company that would make full use of his talents. So, he joined RCA and worked in product development and quality control until his retirement in 1985.

On June 2, 1962, Charles married the love of his life, Janet Draper. They shared over 62 wonderful years together. 

Charles was a man of deep faith. Charles and Janet were founding members of Eastside Church of Christ attending the first service in September 1974 and attended faithfully each Sunday thereafter until their recent health problems. Though they could not attend in person they have continued to attend the Sunday service remotely using live streaming.

Charles had a thirst for knowledge, a passion for golf and was loving and generous. In retirement, he continued to do hobby machining, travel around the country, visit relatives, do astronomy, build golf clubs and most of all pursue his passion for golf. He was a member of the Old Oakland Golf Club where he enjoyed playing and walking the course on most weekdays into his early 90’s.

Charles is survived by his wife, Janet Nelson; his nieces: Ann Draper, Lynn (Draper) and Brad Bradshaw, and nephews: Arthur Nelson, David Draper and Jeff Draper.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his 3 brothers Arthur, Lawrence, (Infant) Randolph Nelson; 2 sisters: Roslyn Burgess and Mary Bratton and 2 nephews: Randy and Larry Burgess. 

A visitation for Charles will be August 5th, from 11:00 am to Noon at Flanner Buchanan Funeral Home, 7855 Cork Road Indianapolis, IN 46236; his funeral will begin at Noon. Charles will be laid to rest at Round Hill Cemetery. Memorial graveside rites will be conducted.

Please make any Memorial Donations to the American Heart Association.