Charles L. Mong III

Charles Leroy Mong, known to many as Charlie, Chas, Leroy, Monger, and CLM, passed away surrounded by loved ones. Born on August 28, 1938, in Dayton, Ohio, he was predeceased by parents Charles Mong II and Mary Leola (Lindsley), and his sister Susan Mong. His other sister Martha Culp lives in Dayton.

Charlie was married to Bobbi (Leifer) for 62 wonderful years. Together, they raised a loving family. He is survived by his children Chip (Trish), and their children Chase and Whitley of Indianapolis and Erin Welch (Cody), and their children Sterling and Jackson of Dallas.

Charlie was a graduate of Fairview High School in Dayton. After high school, he served his country as a Corporal in the Marine Corps, stationed in Okinawa from 1956 to 1958. Upon returning home, Charlie began his career as a Yellow Pages salesman for LM Berry, traveling throughout Ohio and Louisiana. He then eventually found his way to Indianapolis, where he became a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating various trucking and related companies.

Charlie’s involvement in the trucking industry resulted in serving as the former Chairman of the Indiana Motor Truck Association. His leadership extended beyond his businesses as he was a member of the American Business Club, the Citizens of Speedway Committee, and various Masonic organizations, including the Mystic Tie Lodge #398, the Scottish Rite Cathedral, and the Murat Shrine Temple. He was also a member of Meridian Hills, Crooked Stick, and Bonita Bay country and golf clubs, and Second Presbyterian Church.

Such are the facts alpha thru omega but these facts do not begin to paint the colorful canvas of Charlie….

His pride in all things family was evident to all. To his legion of friends he was a “best friend” to so many. An introduction and a handshake was all it took to know he was a special guy.

One could not help but note he was quite a raconteur ( a gifted and funny storyteller), a linguist of sorts known for his use of malapropisms, and a dandy in dress. Who else would consider stepping out with an ensemble of stripes, checks, paisley and polka dots accompanied by alligator belts and shoes, all fused together in a fantastical color wheel that defied the imagination. He was as proud of his personal style as he was of his prized collection of classic cars. He also loved the game of golf, playing regularly at Meridian Hills and Bonita Bay and embarking on numerous trips to the storied courses of Ireland, Scotland and England. Simultaneously, Charlie was also a serious man. He was that uncommon gentleman who left more behind than he ever took with him. Charlie was never afraid to share his thoughts, but he would do anything for those he cared about. He was a man of wit and his favorite saying: “That’s how the boar ate the cabbage.”

Charlie’s life will be celebrated on September 4 at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 North Meridian at 5 p.m. His family and many friends will remember him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a successful businessman, a stylish gentleman, and a man who lived life on his own terms. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable contributions be considered to the Evans Scholars Foundation, 2501 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL 60026 or the Indiana Golf Association, P.O. Box 26159, Indianapolis, IN 46226.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the professional care provided by IU North and H.O.W. health.