Charles Kelso

CARMEL ~ Charles Kelso, 97, passed away Sunday, September 26, 2021. With the love and support of his family and dedicated caregivers, he was able to fulfill his desire to enjoy his last months at home.

Charles was born in New Salem, Indiana and was the youngest of four children. He grew up a member of the Christian church and enjoyed music and sports. He played the drums, tennis and liked to dance. Upon graduation from Rushville High School, he entered the U.S. Army Air Force and served during World War II until 1946. Following his military service, he entered Indiana University School of Business and graduated in 1949. At I.U. Charles was active in several service clubs including the Union Board and Vice-President of the Junior Class.

Charles married his wife Patricia in 1951. In 1956, they purchased the Iron Skillet Restaurant which they operated for 40 years. Together, they established a popular Indianapolis dining location visited by generations of families as well as many celebrities. In 1996, the restaurant was awarded a Certificate of Merit from Purdue University Dept. of Restaurant, Hotel & Institutional Management. Charles was honored with the Hall of Fame Award by the Indiana Restaurant & Hospitality Association in 1997.

He was a former member of the Gyro Club, The National Restaurant Association, The Indiana Restaurant Association and was inducted into the Association’s Hall of Fame.

In retirement, Charles and his wife Patricia enjoyed playing golf, listening to music, reading, dancing, watching movies, and playing cards. They have also continued to cheer on IU and Butler basketball teams. Charles worked part-time as a starter at the Brookshire Golf Course for 18 years and continued playing golf into his 90’s. He served as past Treasurer and President of their homeowner’s association.

He is preceded in death by his parents Tom and Blanche Kelso, his bothers Carter and Hubert Kelso and his sister Alma Browning.

He is survived by his wife Patricia and daughters Nancy Kelso and Stephanie Kelso.

Family and friends will gather on Wednesday, October 20th from 1:00-3:00 PM in Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel with a memorial service at 3:00 PM. Please visit www.leppertmortuary.com for more details.

For anyone who would like to leave personal notes and memories about Charles for the family, a basket for remembrances will be available.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Skin Cancer Foundation https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/donate/ or the Salvation Army https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/indiana/ways-to-give