CHARLES A. WHELAN, age 86, of Hobart, passed away Sunday, November 3, 2013. He was born on December 14, 1926 in Ekron, KY. Charles was a longtime resident of Hobart and a member of Deep River Church of Christ. He retired from US Steel as an assistant roller in 1984. Charles enjoyed fishing, woodworking and Tuesday night dartball games. He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Charles is survived by his son, Charles L. (Ruth) Whelan of South Haven; daughter, Karen (John) Novina of Hebron; 5 grandchildren, Amanda (Ryan) Deardorff, Jason (Erika) Novina, Scott (Amy) Witham, Kirt (Stephanie) Witham, and Sean Whelan; 10 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Mary Catherine Woodring of Morganfield, KY and Rebecca Rosalee Callahan of Connecticut; lifelong friend, Opal Wright.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy; parents, Junious A. and Beulah L. Whelan; 6 brothers, Richard, Ernest, Jack, Garland, Leroy, Joseph Lemar Whelan; 3 sisters, Frances Leona Willet, Ruby Ann and Clarion Whelan; great grandchildren, Scott and Mason Witham.

Funeral services for Charles will be Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Deep River Church of Christ, 9500 Grand Blvd., Merrillville, IN 46410 with Mr. Ron Buche officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park in Hobart. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 6, 2013 from 3-8 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart, (219) 942-2109 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.