Charles Robert Nelson of Timonium, Maryland, passed away after a long illness on February 16, 2024. He was 96 years old.

Charles was born in Baltimore on October 1, 1927, to Eleanor (nee Gurnee) and Peter Charles Nelson.

A veteran of World War II, upon his return he attended the Maryland Institute of Art on the GI bill. He was a very talented artist and we always begged him to draw for us. Dad was very well read and a great conversationalist. He could quote from things he learned years and years ago. He was particularly fond of reading all he could on Churchill and WWII. He shared his love of British mysteries with his daughter, Pam. He had a love of classic films, which he shared with his son, John and grandson Matt. They could quote the lines from many of their favorite movies – and John could always be counted on to get some belly laughs from Dad as they shared the same sense of humor.

When Dad retired from the U.S. Lines/Port East in 1992, he took up bread making and wood working as hobbies. He made many pieces of furniture and clocks. We feel fortunate to have these precious mementos of Dad and every time he came to visit, he had a loaf of bread for us! Dad was so well liked by the staff of Stella Maris who attended him. They always made a point of telling us what a funny and kind man he was.

He was the beloved husband of Lorraine (nee Jennings) for 73 years until her passing in 2021. He was predeceased by his sister Jean. He was the loving father of Christopher Nelson who preceded him in death in 2022. Charles was beloved by his daughter, Pamela N. Barry and her husband Joseph, and John W. Nelson and his wife Joan. He is survived by six grandchildren, Matthew, Kate, Peter, Sarah, Leslie and Samantha and four great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice.