Charles Mansur Hanger

Charles M. Hanger passed away late in the evening hours on October 23, 2025.

He was a man of quiet pride and many passions, whose curiosity and craftsmanship touched nearly everything he did. He tended an impressive garden, growing some of the best sweet corn and Goliath tomatoes you could find. He loved his guns and enjoyed sharing stories from the shooting range. A good steak was always a favorite, and few could match the care and pride he took in preparing Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners; his rib roast was legendary.

He was an avid reader with a deep love of literature, often gifting his children and grandchildren with books. Watching Jeopardy! with him was an event of its own; his quick wit and sharp mind were something to behold. He loved to laugh, tell stories, and play pranks, revealing a playful spirit beneath his calm exterior.

Charles had a keen eye for craftsmanship and a lifelong curiosity for learning. He explored countless hobbies over the years, including soapmaking, woodworking, winemaking, baking, and home distilling. He also had a lifelong love for motorcycles, stemmed from his younger days, when he rode dirt bikes in the California desert, a passion he shared with a sparkle in his eye.

A talented photographer, he spent many years capturing memories for local Little League teams in the Decatur area, creating buttons and keepsakes that families still treasure today.

Born in Noblesville, Indiana, on April 28, 1942, to Leonard and Cecilia (Moore) Hanger, Charles spent much of his childhood in Missouri. As an adventurous young man, he traveled to California while serving in the United States Marine Corps as a Military Police officer. While there, he met his wife, Josi. They later returned to Indiana, where they raised their family. A skilled mechanic, he worked as a light equipment mechanic for Allison before retiring from Rolls-Royce.

Most of all, he lit up when spending time with his grandchildren; those moments brought him real joy and pride. He was a good father and loved his family deeply, finding his greatest happiness in their laughter and company.

He lived a full life marked by skill, humor, curiosity, and dedication to the people and passions he loved most. His legacy continues through his family and the countless memories he created along the way.

Family members:

Siblings deceased: Lee Hanger, Jim Hanger, Leota Killin, Charlotte Chance, Patty Mandebach, and Lloyd Hanger.

Surviving siblings: Faye Caylor, Karen Schmidt, Junior Hanger.

Charles was married to his wife, Josephine (Burton) Hanger, for 61 years until Josephine passed away on December 29, 2023.

Charles and Josephine’s children survive: Josephine McDonald of Seattle, Washington, Rene Hanger of Indianapolis, and Mathew (wife Crystal) Hanger of Indianapolis.

Grandchildren: Christopher (deceased), Cody (deceased), Josie, Sonder, Brittany, Brandon, Maddie, Samantha.

Great Grandchildren: Ava, Kristen, Josie and Ellie

Also surviving is Charles' very special friend, caretaker, and neighbor who cared for him daily: James Rutar.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Flanner Buchanan - Decatur Township Funeral Center, located at 5463 Kentucky Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46221.

His funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM. Chaplain Tom Bartley will officiate.

Burial will follow at West Newton Cemetery.

Flanner Buchanan - Decatur Township has charge of arrangements.