Charles D. McClung Sr.

Charles D. McClung Sr. was born on March 27, 1925. He was the 2nd oldest son of Homer Lee McClung and Rosena Dotson McClung, residents of Indianapolis, Indiana. Both of his parents have preceded him in death. Charles grew up in the Brightwood neighborhood in Indianapolis with his large family attending School #26 Hazel Heart Hendrick, for 1 year. He then transferred to School #37 Crispus Attucks High School where he graduated in 1943. Charles professed his belief in Christ at a young age and was baptized at Mount Carmel Baptist Church on 26th Street, where he and his family worshipped the Lord. As a result of his dedication, he was a lifelong member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church and sang in the Senior Choir.

Charles was drafted into the Navy right after graduating from Crispus Atttucks High School in August of 1943. Charles served for 3 years in the Navy where he was stationed in Pensacola, Florida. He was a maintenance technician that worked, serviced, and repaired the planes when they landed. During his tour of duty, Charles was the first and only African American to join a swim dive team. His swimming skills moved him up to become a lifeguard in his spare time. Charles would also sneak into the kitchen on the ship where the chefs took him under his wings and mentored him into becoming a good cook, therefore earning him credentials of a chef. Charles graduated from the Navy in May of 1946 with an Honorable Discharge.

Charles then in May of 1946 was hired by the New York Central Railroad and Pennsylvania Freight Handlers. He hauled and delivered coal to different customers for a short time. Charles then became employed by the Link Belt Chain Division. When Charles first started working at Link Belt, he had to carry the hot scalding liquid metal in his bucket and then pour the melted liquid metal into the designated mold. As he became more experienced and earned seniority, he earned his own work bench and then he became the molder that made heavy ton chains, used in commercial equipment. He retired from Link Belt with 33 years of service. After his retirement from Link Belt, he went to work at the Murat Temple as a Chef for a few years.

Charles was united in holy matrimony with Hazel Lee Thrash on June 6, 1947. They were married to each other for 41 years until her death in March of 1988. To this union four children were born, Charles, D. McClung Jr., Deirdre McNary, Denise Allen, and Leslie McClung. One son and one daughter has preceded him in death. Through his daughter, he gained one son, Gary Allen, along with a host of granddaughters, grandsons, and great grandchildren.

Charles deeply loved his family. He was dedicated to making sure that their needs were met and that we were all taken care of. One of his greatest joys was traveling to different places with his family. He loved to sit around and tell stories about the events of his life. When visiting with our father, you might as well get prepared to stay awhile because every story that he talked about was fascinating to hear about. If you wanted a little piece of history, he had it to share because he lived it and lived through it.

Charles D. McClung Sr. departed this life on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Rosena McClung, wife Hazel Lee McClung, son Charles D. McClung Jr., and daughter Leslie Renee McClung. He leaves to cherish his memory in two daughters, Deirdre McNary of Stockbridge, GA, and Denise Allen (Gary) of Indianapolis, IN, brother Olin V. McClung Sr. (Linda) of Carmel, IN, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, McClung Family, Nurses, Nursing assistants, Brookdale Hospice staff, extended family, and a host of friends from many paths of his life.