Charles W. “Charlie” Schnabel, age 88, of Madison, Indiana, and the son of the late William Edwin and Muriel T. (Ronk) Schnabel, was born on November 12, 1937, in Dover, New Jersey. He graduated from Hanover College in 1959 and from University of Arizona in 1964 with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. He was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and faithfully served his country for eight years until he was honorably discharged. He retired as assistant plant manager from IKE in 2001. After retirement, he played with the Wind Ensemble at Hanover College, The River City Concert Band out of Clarksville, as well as the Signature Jazz Band and the Shrine Band in Louisville. He was the band leader of his own band, “The Soundz of Dixieland” and “The Madisonians.” He played several different instruments and was also the founder and President of the board of directors for the Madison Bicentennial Concert Band.

Charlie attended church at both, Resurrection Lutheran Church and Hopewell Baptist Church in Madison. For several years, he was the President of the Council at Resurrection Lutheran Church and was musically active in both. Charlie was devoted in his faith and always stayed busy. He enjoyed music, fishing, hunting, gardening and hobby farming. Mr. Schnabel passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at his residence.

His life will be cherished by his wife of over 40 years, Roselle (Garrett) Schnabel of Madison; his sons: Greg Schnabel of Marrero, Louisiana, Mark Schnabel and his wife, Giovonia of Newton, Kansas; his step-children: Kay Griffin, Wesley Mertz (Michelle), Barry Mertz (Lisa), and Debbie Stoner; his brother, Don Schnabel; his sister, Linda Adams and her husband, Paul of Madison and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-son, Garry Mertz and his sister, Marilyn Lyons.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at the Welty Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Lytle Chapel, 117 Holt Drive, Madison, with interment to follow in Springdale Cemetery in Madison. Friends and family may visit at Welty Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Lytle Chapel from 12:00 PM noon until the time of the service on Tuesday.

The United States Air Force and the Major Samuel Woodfill Post #9, American Legion, Madison will conduct military honors.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Resurrection Lutheran Church and Hopewell Baptist Church. Contributions may be made at the Welty Family Funeral Home or below.