Charles Nilsen's Obituary
Charles Bernhard Nilsen, Jr was born January 6, 1940 in Houston, TX to Charles B Nilsen Sr and Ruby Libby (Garrison) Nilsen.
He graduated from Houston's Reagan High School in 1954 after playing violin with the Houston Youth Symphony. His first job was driving for the Dr Pepper Company.
Charles met Janet Rainwater when she graduated from Jones High School. They were almost immediately engaged. In fact, he told his parents he was going to marry her the day they met.
Charles joined the Air Force and left for Lackland AFB. When he finished basic training they were married at the White Sands Missile Range Chapel, where Janet's father was stationed. The date was April 4, 1963, her parent's 28th anniversary.
After Charles retired from over 20 years at GTE/Verizon he enjoyed fishing, playing board games, especially dominoes, mexican train and wahoo. He drove a produce truck for McNews for several years. He was very involved with the First Christian Church, where he served as a Deacon and supervised maintenance on the church for many years. He also sang in the choir. He also enjoyed performing in the Henderson Civic Theatre productions, where he served on the board for many years. He and Jan went to ribbon cuttings and grand openings of most new businesses that came to Henderson. He was very active with Henderson Chamber of Commerce. He played church league softball and volleyball until his knees couldn't hold up. He was also involved in the Citizens Police Academy through the Henderson Police Department and graduated from the program. Charles and Jan moved to Gainesville in August of 2020 to live closer to family as his health started to decline.
He took great pride in his daughters and son-in-laws. His grandchildren and their spouses were his joy but the great grand kids were the best.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gladys Ann Barnes. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janet, his daughter, Reagan and husband Mike Coble of Frisco, TX and daughter, Chanan and husband Daron Fredrickson of Gainesville, TX. Grandchildren Lucas & Jamie Coble of McKinney, TX, Captain Chase & Courtney Fredrickson of New Braunfels, TX, Sr Msgt Brandon & Sr Msgt Katie Coble of Vandenberg AFB, CA and Chelsea Fredrickson of Gainesville, TX.
Great grandchildren are Cael & Chyler Fredrickson, Emma & Tyler Coble and Murphy & Sydney Coble.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Henderson Interchurch Ministry.
Funeral services for Charles will be 2 pm Saturday, December 16, 2023 in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 1 pm. Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Charles?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charles?
Share a story where Charles' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charles you’ll never forget.
How did Charles make you smile?
