Charlie Van Ness

Charlie Lee Van Ness

Born March 26, 1930 in Houston, Texas, passed away at Heritage Manor Nursing Home on October 15, 2018. He served in the Navy from 1949 to 1953. Married Wanda Lou Mielsch on April 10, 1954. He moved his family from Houston, Texas to Denham Springs, La in 1963, then to Prairieville, La in 1964.

He was always helping others, stopping on the road if someone was broke down. He worked three jobs most of his life. Working as a structural designer for Justice & Huang Engineers, as a design draftsman for Michael Baker/Benard & Burk and Howard Needles Tammen and Bergendoff.

He worked on bridges across Atchafalaya Basin, Whiskey Bay & Interstate 10 from 1963 through 1974. Living in a camper on a truck bed at the Atchafalaya Basin when the pilings were being driven in. Later he worked at Sears & Roebuck in the tool department at night and on weekends he worked on anything mechanical, cars, motorcycles, etc. He started Van’s motorcycle business for a short while and was a motorcycle safety instructor. He will be missed by family and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Brooks Cornelius Van Ness and Violet Mildred Dubois; two brothers, Robert Brooks Van Ness and Paul Alton Van Ness; his daughter, Violet Jewel Marie Van Ness Wells.

Survived by wife Wanda; his daughter, Rebecca Lee and husband Ted Powell; his son Charlie Stephen Van Ness; his granddaughters, Shannah Marie Wells and husband Donnie Dauzat of Baton Rouge, La., and Jennifer Amanda Powell of Greenwell Springs, La.

Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, Baton Rouge, La., on Friday, October 19, 2018 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Visitation will resume on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 10:00 am until funeral service at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Alzheimer’s Association, 303 Old Forge Dr. Baton Rouge, LA. 70808.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com