Charles T. Nelson, 88, of Saint Marys, died 10:50 A.M. Thursday, November 12, 2020, at Elmwood of New Bremen.

He was born August 5, 1932, in Saint Marys, the son of Verling and Esther (Klosterman) Nelson. He married Mary Roth; she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his children: Jeff (Sue) Nelson of Celina; Juli (Dave) Sprague of Saint Marys; Thomas Nelson of Saint Marys; Lyn (John) Klopfenstein of Ocala, Florida; John (Rachael) Nelson of Saint Marys; Jay (Kristy) Nelson of Saint Marys. He is also survived by his 17 grandchildren; by 3 step-grandchildren; by 19 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Emily Grogjean of Lima; Linda (Bob) Davis of Wichita, Kansas; Jeannie (Dick) Grunden of Wichita.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife, Mary.

Charlie was a 1952 graduate of Saint Marys Memorial High School. He was the longtime owner of Nelson's Body Shop and Towing Service in Saint Marys, and he was also employed as a school bus driver for Saint Marys City Schools, serving 26 years. Charlie operated his towing service for many years, and was known by so many people, that it was common for people to say "Here comes Charlie!".

He was a veteran of the United States Army, and a member of American Legion Post 323 and Eagles' Lodge 767. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and had served many years as a Boy Scout leader. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Saint Marys.

Private family funeral rites will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at the Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road, Saint Marys, with family friend Dan Griffin, officiating. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, where veteran's rites will be offered by American Legion Post 323 and VFW Post 9289.

Friends are invited to call from 4-8 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Masks are required for all visitors, as mandated by the Ohio Department of Health.

Condolences may be sent to Charlie's family via Millerfuneralhomes.net.