Charles Clark Thelen, age 88, passed on to glory on February 4, 2023, to be with his Savior Jesus Christ.

Charles was born to Maurice and Elizabeth Thelen in Kearney, Nebraska, on December 10, 1934. After graduating from high school, Charles went on to study music education at Occidental College in Los Angeles, California. Upon earning his Bachelor's degree, Charles began his career as a music teacher at Washington Junior High in Bakersfield, California. It was during this time he met Charlotte Wicker, who became his wife on June 28,1959. Together Charles and Charlotte raised four children: Kent, Tedd, Todd, and Melissa. Charles served his country in the Army from 1956 to 1958.

Charles continued his education at the University of Northern Colorado earning a Doctorate in Music Education in 1973. Upon completion of his doctoral studies, Charles accepted a teaching position at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri, where he became a tenured professor of music education and served as the resident woodwind specialist. Charles shared his talents with others through involvement with the orchestra and college jazz band. He also shared his love of music through teaching private lessons to hundreds of students through the years. Charles retired from MSSU in 2010 after 37 years of service.

Charles was deeply involved in his community. As active members of their church, Charles served as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, and played in the orchestra for special events. Motivated by his profound faith in Christ, Charles was a longtime member of the Christian Business Men's Committee and the Gideons Society.

Charles was a devoted husband to Charlotte for over 63 years. They shared a commitment to the music department of MSSU, chaperoning several overseas educational trips and serving with the International Piano Competition. Several memorable experiences were had with dear friends in the many years they lived in Joplin, Missouri. Charles was also a devoted father to their four children providing a Godly heritage of faith, love, and dedication in all aspects of their lives. As their children married and started families of their own, Charles and Charlotte became grandparents to 14 grandchildren and, eventually, 17 great-grandchildren.

Charles and Charlotte relocated to Edmond, Oklahoma, for five years before settling in Acworth, Georgia, last year. An only child, Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Elizabeth Thelen, and his daughter's husband, Joseph Cole. Charles is survived by his wife, Charlotte Wicker Thelen, son Kent Thelen (wife Ann and children Michael, Max, Miles, Murphy, Maggie, and Melissa), son Tedd Thelen (wife Bonita and children Logan, Marissa, and Madison), son Todd Thelen (wife Chris and children Trenton and Travis), and daughter Melissa Cole (children Spencer, Hannah, and David); as well as many grandchildren through marriage and great-grandchildren.

A memorial and graveside service will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at 11:00am to celebrate Charles's Heavenly home going. Charles will be laid to rest at Liberty Hill Cemetery in Acworth, Georgia.

Collins Funeral Home 4947 N Main Street Acworth, GA 30101 770-974-3133