Aug. 10, 1942 - Jan. 21, 2013

ELKHART - Carlisle William "Chuck" Kelson Jr., 70, died at 9:35 a.m. Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, after a two-month struggle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 10, 1942, in Dalton, Mass., the only child of Carlisle and Evelyn Varnum Kelson.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Eileen, and six children: sons Tad (Carlisle), Chris, Bill and Paul and daughters Kelly and Alley. Also surviving are a stepmother, Isabel Kelson, and stepsister Barb Chappel.

Chuck grew up in the Dalton area, earning an Associates Degree in business at Berkshire College. He began his long professional and business career in pharmaceutical sales. His career path led him into banking and insurance sales. Advancements in the insurance field took him to Sioux City, Iowa, where he lived for 14 years.

Chuck relocated to Elkhart in 1989. He worked in insurance and security sales. Eventually he founded Kelson & Company, a financial consulting firm that provided financial planning for individuals throughout Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties.

Throughout his professional career, Chuck was active in many civic and community organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, Rotary, Shriners and others. Chuck's generosity and concern for others led him and his wife, Eileen, to establish Just One, a charitable foundation that concentrates on fulfilling the urgent needs of "just one" person at a time.

Chuck was an avid golfer throughout his adult life. He enjoyed membership in several country clubs in the area. He proudly claimed two holes-in-one and a near-scratch handicap. Chuck loved to sing and could often be counted on to step up to the karaoke microphone. He also enjoyed traveling with Eileen and friends, discovering new restaurants and golf courses wherever he went.

Chuck's strong religious faith was expressed throughout his life, starting in the choir of Grandma Kelson's Baptist church and ending with his volunteer service with Granger Community Church. That strong and mature faith invested moral direction and integrity in all of his business and personal relationships.

Chuck had a vibrant curiosity about the world around him and considered life to be an adventure. He was generous and faithful enough to extend trust to the people he met, with the belief that most would prove worthy of that trust. Throughout his 70 years, Chuck maintained an unending enthusiasm for life, an extraordinary gift for encouraging others and a heartfelt affection for everyone he met.

In lieu of all flowers, Chuck and his family have asked that gifts be made to the staff of nurses at Elkhart General Hospital that took care of him during his battle with cancer. Monetary gifts of cash or checks can be sent to First State Bank of Middlebury. Please make checks payable to the Fourth Floor Oncology Nurses of EGH.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Chuck's life from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, at Maplecrest Country Club located at 611 Hackett Road, Goshen. Donations for the nurses will also be accepted at his celebration.

Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is assisting the family.

Pam and Bob Shultz, Elkhart, IN Dear Eileen And all the children We were out of town and so sorry to hear about your wonderful Chuck. He sure fought the good fight with courage and a smile and he will be missed . Hoping you are finding comfort in your faith, your family and your many friends . Sincerely Pam and Bob Shultz

Nicole Graves, elkhart, IN How I have grown to love all of you, especially Chuck, because he was our floor's boyfriend :). He was such an amazing man and I just adored him and all of his courage and determination. I admired his passion for life and most of all his family. He adored and cherished all of you. I loved the moments we shared together. I was with you all when he was first diagnosed to walk you all thru and I was there to hold his hand while he left this earth. He has a special place in my heart as well as all of the family. You all hold a special place in my heart. I am here for all of you and he will be greatly missed, but heaven gained an amazing angel. Many hugs and love to all of you! Nicole RN

Marlene Slayter, Fort Myers, FL Dear Eileen and family..Glenn and I were shocked when we read the obituary regarding Chuck/ He was such a good man and we knew nothing of his illness. May God lay his healing hand on your family. Our prayers are with you!! Marty and Glenn.

Janice Pritchard, Lufkin, TX I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories of good times comfort you in the days ahead.

Albert & Sally Rowe, Elkhart, IN Eileen, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Ken & Jo Frey, Goshen, IN Eileen, We are sorry about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mike & Michaele Dutton, Elkhart, IN Dear Eileen and family- I am very sorry for your loss. Seems we cant shake the passing of our loved ones. Enjoyed the Golf, singing, cookouts, and everything that I had the priveledge of doing with Chuck. I know he and dad probably already have played a round of golf or 2 and have been singing since Chuck joined dad in Heaven. If there is anything that Michaele or I can do please let us know.

Lisa Eash, Elkhart, IN Dear Eileen, I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dianna Jackson, Elkhart, IN Eileen, I'm so sorry! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dianna

Deanna Wilcox, Middlebury, IN Eileen I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. My prayers are with you.

Fred Blatz, Clearwater, FL I had the privilege of going on several golf outings with Chuck some years ago, and I always looked forward to his personality and friendship, which made these junkets something special. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

Gary and Julie Davis, Elkhart, IN Always with a smile on his face, warmth in his eyes, and love and respect in his heart..This is how we will always remember "Chuckles". No matter what, you always felt better after being around him. He will be greatly missed but fondley remembered. Like he always said "To much fun". Rest in peace old friend.

Michele Lucchese, Vandalia, MI Dear Eileen and family - I was shocked to see of Chuck's passing - I am so very sorry and sending you my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy - Michele Lucchese and family