Charles Edward Mathew

Charles Edward “Charlie” Mathew, 81, of Rensselaer, Indiana passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at the Rensselaer Care Center . He was born in Wolcott, Indiana on September 30, 1934, the son of Herman and Ora (Marquis) Mathew. Charlie was raised in the Wolcott area, graduating from Wolcott High School with the Class of 1952. He was a member of the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Rensselaer and enjoyed time with the extended church family which he came to know over many years. Charlie was a 4th Degree Knight, Knights of Columbus Bishop Dwenger Council #1881, and a member of American Legion Post #29, Moose Lodge #2272 and Fraternal Order of Eagles #2548. He enjoyed a good card game, fishing, attending his grandchildren’s events, especially sporting events and the race team, and many hours of crackling walnuts. Charlie was involved in many business adventures, including owner of the Hoosier Inn Hotel, Mathew Apartments and Rentals, American Breeders Service, Rensselaer Taxi, Northside Auto, and Superior Floor Cleaning. He was a former school bus driver and movie operator for The Palace Theater and at St. Joseph College. He was involved with the Chicago Board of Trade as a commodities broker and investments with Signature Inns and Bardstown Distillery. Charlie also provided over-the-road transportation for many local businesses. Surviving are his loving children, Roger (Kim) Mathew, Arlene (Jon) Castongia, Kent (Sharon) Mathew, Ave (Jill) Mathew and Marissha Mathew all of Rensselaer, Natalie (Ron) Hageman of Kentucky, and Vanessa (Ron) Sheldon of Remington, Ind.. He was blessed with twenty loving grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. Other survivors include two brothers, Gerald (Marilyn) Mathew of Monticello, Ind., and Ernest Mathew of Florida and a sister, Rosemary (Bob) McCallister of Speer, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Ora, brothers Kenneth Mathew and Richard Mathew, sister Donnamae Mathew and a great-grandson Gage Sheldon. Friends may call at the Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer on Sunday, June 5, 2016 from 2:00 to 6:00 P.M.CDT. Funeral Mass will be held at the St. Joseph College Chapel on Monday, June 6, 2016, at 10:00 A.M. CDT with Fr. Tim McFarland officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Remington, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, Charlie would appreciate your support to the Saint Augustine Catholic School where his children and many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren have attended.

Charles Edward Mathew

September 30, 1934 - May 31, 2016