Charles "Charlie" Palmateer

Charles “Charlie” Palmateer, 76, of Fairview Park, passed away suddenly at 9:46 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2020 at Union Hospital Clinton.  Entering the world on January 21, 1944 in Gary, Indiana, he was the fourth of five sons born to Frank and Lillian (Johnson) Palmateer.

Charlie attended Gary Lew Wallace High School where he met his wife, Jan at the age of 16, They became high school sweethearts and enjoyed many school activities until his graduation in 1962.  His decision to enlist in the United States Airforce was a difficult one, but actually proved to be a very wise one.  After serving four years as a medic, he was discharged and was able to take advantage of the G.I. Bill.  In the Fall of 1966, he enrolled at Indiana State University to pursue a B.S. degree in education and graduated in 1970.  He eventually earned his master’s degree several years later.

After graduation, Jan and Charlie had to make a choice to either return to their hometown or stay in Clinton.   They both wholeheartedly agreed to remain in Clinton and have enjoyed 53 happy years there.

Charlie began his 35-year teaching career at Highland Elementary School in Perrysville.  He taught multiple subjects to various grade levels from 1970 – 1975.  Desiring to be closer to home, he taught 5th grade at Ernie Pyle Elementary from 1975 until he retired in 2005 with many treasured memories

His life-long love of sports began at an early age as there was always some kind of spirited competition among the Palmateer brothers.   Charlie either watched, played or coached various sports.   He was an avid fan of the I.S.U. Sycamores, Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis Pacers, Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. He especially enjoyed “spotting” at the South Vermillion football games.  He played tennis and full court basketball until he was 65 and was presently playing golf and pickleball.   Charlie found teaching and coaching elementary and high school tennis very fulfilling and often recalled those wonderful times.

In addition to sports, Charlie loved history, geography, politics, 50’s and 60’s music, old movies, roller coasters, and traveling.  Family Vacations were spent visiting historic sights, and major theme parks.  In more recent years, he and Jan enjoyed cruising.

Charles was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed by his wife, Jan of 53 years; daughters Dana (Dave) Clore of Clinton and Kellie (Tony) Harbath of New Haven, MO.  Four grandchildren; Nate and Sydney Harbath and Brittany and Bradley Clore.   Three great grandchildren; Madison, Hailey and Lennon.  Also surviving are his brothers; Norman (Janice) Palmateer of Wildwood, Fl., Bill (Linda) ) Palmateer of Hobart, IN and Gary (Pam) Palmateer of Merrillville, IN, many loving nieces and nephews and his beloved cats, Grady, Gracie and Sierra.   He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Curtis.

Masks and social distancing will be respectfully asked for the visitors at the funeral home or graveside services.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Giovanini Funeral Home from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m.  Services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with pastor Terry Jeffers officiating.

Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery preceded by military honors.  For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to Wayside United Methodist Church or to the Parke-Vermillion Humane Society.