Charles D Oliver

Charles D. Oliver, (84), of Merrillville, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on 2/27/25 surrounded by family. Charles, also known as Chuck, was born to William and Jean Oliver on October 25, 1940, in Bessemer, Michigan. He was a graduate of Holy Angels Catholic School, (Class of 1955), Horace Mann High School, (Class of 1959). Chuck served active duty in the US Navy from 1960 to 1963 and was honorably discharged after serving in the reserves for two more years. He worked for 6 years at Inland Steel and later found his passion to serve and protect for 20 years as a police officer in Gary, Indiana. While a policeman, he was awarded the Medal of Valor, which is the highest honor that an officer can receive for the capture of criminals following the robbery of the Gary National Bank in 1981. Following his retirement from the Gary PD, he worked as a police radio operator for the city of Crown Point and the town of Merrillville. He also served as the Supervisor of the North Police Station and was a Police Commissioner for the town of Merrillville. He was later appointed Director of the Emergency Management Agency for Merrillville and the Calumet River Basin Committee by the Governor of Indiana. Chuck was an avid fan of music and sports, supporting his children in their musical pursuits as well as little league, soccer, and football by coaching, umpiring and attending concerts and sporting events. He served as the President of the Merrillville High School Athletic Booster Club for two years. Chuck was also a member of the John Purdue Club and the Valpo Victory Fund Club. He was a lifelong member of the Gary Sportsman Club. Chuck also had a passion for politics and served as the Town of Merrillville Republican Chairman for over 20 years. He was awarded The Republican of the Year from the Lake County Republican Committee. Chuck loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Clemmer C., (nee Olson), his three children, David, fiancée Debby Pilloud, Elizabeth Clark, her husband John, and James. He is also survived by his two grandsons, Jonathan and his wife Brooke, (great granddaughters Emery and Kinlsey), Jordan and his wife Joelle. In addition, he is survived by his two brothers William, sister-in-law Linda Deering, and Howard Oliver, sister-in-law Anne Talley, and her husband Bob, brother-in-law John Olson, and his wife Wanda, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Keith (Denice), Daughter-in-law, Julie (David) and nephew, Craig Oliver. A memorial visitation will take place on Sunay, April 6, 2024, from 1:30 pm until the time of the memorial service at 2 p.m. directly at First United Methodist Church, 325 S. Main St, Crown Point. Rev Mark Wilkins officiating. www.burnsfuneral.com.

Charles D Oliver

October 25, 1940 - February 27, 2025