Charles “Charlie” Owen Jensen of Darlington passed away June 4, 2021, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Charlie was born March 21, 1947, at Kankakee, Illinois, the fourth son of Jeannette Dittus Jensen and Thomas Jensen. He graduated from Kempton Cabery High School in 1965, and attended Valparaiso University, where he played football for two years. He was drafted into the Army in 1967, where he served two tours in Vietnam as a heavy artillery mechanic and returned to serve stateside. When he completed his time in the military, he returned home to work on the beloved family farm, and in 1973, he married Karen Blair Jensen. He worked at Raybestos in Crawfordsville for over 26 years and was proud to be on the team that developed one of the brake pads, which was patented.
Charlie was preceded in death by his beloved wife Karen, in 2019; both of his parents; and by his oldest brother Paul.
Charlie is loved and survived by his daughter, Rebecca Jensen (Jim Edwards) of Darlington; son Stephen Jensen (Melissa Iser) of Kettering, Ohio; his beloved grandchildren, Dana Sanders (Colin Record), Jaden Pierce (Cadence Nichols), Brady Jensen and Connor Jensen; and his great-granddaughter, Atley Record. Charlie also leaves behind cherished siblings, Thomas Jr. (Lorraine) Jensen, James (Janice) Jensen and Kathryn (Michael Sage) Jensen; as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Charlie enjoyed fishing and basketball, had a true heart for farming and gardening, and loved a good game of Euchre. He was a member of the Hillsboro Church of Nazarene. Charlie loved supporting his children and grandchildren in their endeavors, and was thrilled to meet his first great-granddaughter. Charlie was always kind and always willing to help others, leaving a lasting dedication to others through organ donation.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made in Charlie’s honor to the Boys & Girls Club of Montgomery County, P.O. Box 292, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 or Midland Meals, 3313 Concord Road, Lafayette, IN 47909.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 12 at Sanders Priebe Funeral Care, 315 S. Washington St., Crawfordsville. Pastor Greg McDonald will officiate. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Army and Byron Cox Post 72 Honor Guard. Cremation will follow the service.
Share memories and condolences online at www.sandersfuneralcare.com.
