Born August 24, 1942 in New Albany, IN, he was the only child of Grover and Virginia Oliver. After high school, Charles joined the United States Army and was later stationed in Germany. He held the rank of Sergeant with Cosmic Clearance in Communications. While in Ansbach, Germany, he met his future wife, Walburga “Wally” Herrmann as he filled in on a blind date that another soldier was not able to attend. Charles and Wally later married in 1964 at St. Mary’s of the Knobs, Floyds Knobs, IN. Charles and Wally recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on August 8th.
Charles moved his family to Columbus where he began his life long career as owner of Columbus Optical when he opened on November 26, 1964. He soon became one of the first Board Certified Opticians in Indiana. He served on state boards throughout his career earning the State Optician Award. He exclaimed that the most important frames in his store were not for sale, but rather held the certificates and licenses he held in the industry. Charles never wanted to retire from Columbus Optical but health issues prevented him from continuing.
Charles enjoyed many activities including horseback riding, softball with the local Moose Lodge, hunting, fishing, cutting firewood and working on his small farm. He enjoyed the outdoors and gatherings of family and friends for big meals. Some of his favorites were bon fires and fish fries. He also enjoyed traveling, mostly back to Germany and to see family and friends.
Charles also loved to tell stories of his life and adventures. You could always count on hearing them again and again but they were always enjoyed. He loved movies, particularly westerns, gangster, or any black and white film. He was also an avid reader and especially loved historical and adventure books.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Grover Oliver, Jr.
Survivors include his loving wife, Walburga “Wally” Oliver of Columbus; daughter, Angela (Scott) Simmons of Elizabethtown; son John (Connie) Oliver of Elizabethtown; grandchildren, Corbin (Kate) Oliver of Franklin, Nick Oliver of Austin, TX, and Stacie Simmons of Elizabethtown; and great-grandsons, Shadrach and Lazarus Oliver, both of Franklin.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday August 26, 2024 at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church with Rev. Chris Wadelton as celebrant. Entombment will follow at Garland Brook Cemetery Mausoleum with military honors provided by the Bartholomew County Combined Honor Guard.
Visitation will also be Monday from 9 – 11 a.m. at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church.
Memorials in Charles’ name are suggested to St. Bartholomew Catholic Church or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
Please leave a fond memory of Charles at www.Myers-Reed.com.
Myers-Reed Chapel on 25th St. is serving the Oliver family.
