Charles Ed Kurz

Charles Ed “Charlie” Kurz, 93, a resident of New Castle passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2025 surrounded by his children at Glen Oaks Health Campus of New Castle. He was born May 3, 1932 in Vandalia, Missouri to the late Edward Orlow and Eva Belle (Butts) Kurz.

Charlie was loved by many for his quick wit and exemplary card playing skills. He especially loved to play bridge, but if there was a card game going on at Senior Living at Forest Ridge where he resided for several years, you can bet he was at the table. He loved crossword puzzles and watching sports on TV. Of course he loved his Indiana Pacers and IU Hoosiers, but he grew up near St. Louis and was an avid Cardinal baseball fan. Charlie's favorite sports team however, was his beloved Kansas University Jayhawks basketball team. He received his undergraduate and Master's Degrees in Music from that institution. He also was a graduate of Vandalia High School.

He enjoyed fishing, but his greatest love was music, both listening and playing. He played a wide variety of instruments, but mostly woodwinds and percussion. He proudly served his country as a Corporal in the US Army and played first chair clarinet in the 371st Army Band at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas during the Korean Conflict. Following his graduation from Kansas University he began his career as the music therapy director at New Castle State Hospital where he was employed for 35 years, retiring as an administrator in 1993. Over the years he shared his musical gift with students he taught, several local jazz bands and was an organist at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Charlie was a member of many organizations including Optimist International, National Association for Music Therapy, Inc., Great Lakes Regional Chapter, NAMT (past president), Phi Mu Alpha and Indiana Park and Recreation Association. He published several technical papers on the effects of music on different populations relating to his work at New Castle State Hospital.

Those left to cherish Charles memory are his children, Ricci (Tim) Atchison of New Castle, Rick (Debbie) Kurz of Connersville, Julie Kurz of Anderson, Jeff (Nevali) Latham of New Castle and Lisa (Brad) Garvin of New Castle; Grandchildren, Brock (Jessie) Atchison, Kaycie (Anthony) Atchison-Gatch, Jeremy Kurz, Donald (Amy) Schneider, Joe Garvin, Lily Garvin and Ella Garvin; great-grandchildren, Reid Atchison, Persephone and Artemis Gatch, Cameron (Laura) James, Courtney and Carter James, Baylee, Kara and Gavin Schneider, Skye Kurz, Samuel Latham and Noah Gaizat; brother, Louis Kurz and a niece, Jan VanBoening.

In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his second wife, Jean L. Kurz on June 10, 2011. They were married October 1, 1976. He also was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice Bernice Kurz on May 17, 2015. A grandson, Nathanial Latham also preceeded him in death.

The family would like to say a special Thank You to Senior Living at Forest Ridge, Henry Community Health Hospice and Glen Oaks Health Campus for their wonderful care given to Charlie.

Services will be at 12:00 p.m., Monday, July 7, 2025 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Deacon Jody Winter officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery, West Lawn Addition. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to the Henry County Community Foundation You may share condolences and memories of Charlie at www.hinsey-brown.com.