Karoly "Charlie" Nagy

Karoly “Charlie” Nagy, 71, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2010, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Charlie was born in Sezentimre Falva, Hungary. In 1956, at the age of 19, he defected during the Hungarian Revolution and joined the United States Army based in Germany, never to see his family again. Only speaking Hungarian, Charlie took language class in California prior to his basic training and then returned to Germany and Lebanon. In 1961, while stationed in Ft. Campbell, he met his wife, Hilda Hartig, and they married the following year. Their 2 sons, Chris and Frank, were both born while stationed in Ft. Campbell. During Charlie’s dedicate 23 year Army career, he served a total of 33 months in Vietnam. He was also based in Ft. Bragg, NC, Italy, Germany, and Ft. Hood, TX, where he retired in 1979, a Sergeant First Class. He served with the 101st Airborne, 82nd Airborne, 11th Airborne, 173rd Airborne and 1st Cavalry Division. Serving his many years and unselfishly risking his life is a true testament to Charlie’s dedication and commitment to a country that he did not even officially belong to. It wasn’t until 2003 that he “officially” became a citizen of the United States, which was a life long dream of his. In 1979, Charlie and his family moved to Evansville. After retiring from the Army, he worked for several more years, most recently at Auto Zone. He enjoyed playing poker, fishing, reading, crossword puzzles, football, WWF wrestling, and spending time with his family. Family was the most important thing to Charlie. Even though he was a wonderful husband and a great Dad to his two sons, nothing gave him greater joy and pride then when his grandchildren were born. He loved his family more than life itself. Charlie was preceded in death by his son, Chris; sister-in-law, Georgia Hartig Richter; brothers-in-law, George Hartig and Eugene McKibben. Charlie is survived by his wife of 48 years, Hilda (Hartig); his son, Frank and daughter-in-law, Margret Nagy; daughter-in-law, Lora Nagy; granddaughters, Erin, Jordan, and Shelby; grandsons, Cole and Weston; sisters-in-law, Wilda McKibben, Phyllis (Hank) Kittelson; brothers-in-law, Marvin (Jonell) Hartig, Donnie (Emilie) Hartig, Bobby (Jeanette) Hartig, many nieces and nephews, along with special family friends, Gene, Jeanne, and Colette Pfeiffer. His family would like to give special thanks to everyone at SouthernCare Hospice, especially Randy, Brandi, Kim, Amber, and Jill. They would also like to thank Norma at HomeInstead Senior Care. Services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at Alexander West Chapel, officiated by Rev. Terry Gamblin with burial at Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Monday from 2:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to SouthernCare Hospice, 1820 N. Green River Road, Evansville, IN 47715 or Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018.