Ronald J. Charles

Ronald J. Charles, 54, of Goshen, died Friday afternoon, May 23, 2008, at Valley View Health Care Center in Elkhart where he had been a resident for eight months. He was born on December 20, 1953, in South Bend, Indiana, to James William Charles and the late Lois (Mapes) Charles.  He married Thelma Joyce (VanNuys) Fry on September 5, 1992 in North Liberty, Indiana, at Potato Creek State Park.  She survives. A Goshen resident since 1966, Mr. Charles worked as a machinist in custom parts manufacturing for Goshen Machine and Tool until they closed in 2006. A 1973 graduate of Goshen High School, Mr. Charles served in the US Army and was a member of the Goshen DAV and American Legion.  He enjoyed scuba diving and taught line dancing. He is survived by his wife, Thelma Joyce of Goshen; his father, James William (Evelyn) Charles of Rockport, Texas; a daughter, Sondra Dooley of Elkhart; a son, James E. Charles of Elkhart; a step-son, Thomas (Angie) Fry of Goshen; a granddaughter, Amber; a sister, Susan (Randy) Stoneburner of Oak Harbor, Ohio; and a brother, Rick Charles of Goshen. He was preceded in death by his mother on January 9, 2002; and a step-son, Jeremy Fry on November 9, 2001. Friends may call 12 to 1 p.m., Friday, May 30, at the funeral home. A 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 30, 2008, memorial service will be conducted at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  Rev. Rex Charles, a cousin from Waterloo, Indiana, will officiate. Military graveside services will be conducted at Oakridge Cemetery, Goshen.