Charles Kelson

Charles Kelson, 84 years old, died suddenly on September 22, 2017 with his wife, Norma, of 40 years, by his side. Born in Brooklyn, New York, friends insist he still speaks "Brooklynese." "Rescued by Uncle Sam," he was drafted into the Army at the age of 20 and served 5 years in Panama. Upon leaving the service in 1958 he decided to stay in California and applied for a job in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy Sheriff. He decided he needed a 9-5 job and became an investigator for the District Attorney's Office. With his skills, he quickly advanced to Supervising Investigator for Child Support Fraud, Welfare Fraud, Consumer Fraud and Major Frauds. He conducted several seminars, taught classes at L.A. Community College and conducted training classes. "Columbo," tattered hat and raincoat, was known as an exceptional, proficient, and dogged investigator who almost always got his man or woman. Upon retiring from Los Angeles, he was offered the position of Investigative Consultant in the Antitrust Division for the Attorney General's office in Sacramento. He served with distinction for 10 years. Now it was time to see the world with his best friend and wife, Norma. He is survived by his wife, Norma, a son, James Johnstone, Jr. and wife, Gracie of Bakersfield, CA, a son David Kelson and wife, Aracelis of Dallas, and a brother Ronald Kelson and wife, Angie of Port Jefferson, New York. He also has two grandchildren, Adam and Sharon. Burial Services will be held at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA in the Spring. PRICE FUNERAL CHAPEL (916-725-2109), directors.