Charles MacArthur McCelos, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and servant of God, peacefully entered eternal rest on January 24, 2026, in La Porte, Indiana. He was born on May 15, 1942, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to the late Leroy McCelos and Nellie Mae Washington.
Charles was a proud graduate of Cheneyville High School in Cheneyville, Louisiana, Class of 1960. In 1968, he married the love of his life, Louvenia Pate McCelos in Baton Rouge, LA, which began a beautiful union that spanned 57 devoted years. In 1969, Charles moved to La Porte, Indiana, where together they built their home, raised their family, and became deeply rooted in the La Porte community.
Charles dedicated 24 years of faithful service to Howmet Aerospace in La Porte, from which he retired with pride. Even more profound was his lifelong commitment to ministry and service. He was ordained as an Elder at Community AME Church in La Porte in 1978 and went on to pastoring and shepherding congregations at Grace Memorial Church in South Bend and Greater Harvest Church in La Porte. Since 2006, he faithfully served as an Elder at Community Christian Center in Michigan City, where his wisdom, humility, and spiritual insight touched countless lives.
Known as a true jack-of-all-trades, Charles found joy in helping others with home projects and practical needs, never hesitating to lend a hand. His ever-present smile, calm temperament, and gentle spirit made him a source of comfort and guidance to many. Deeply spiritually wise and knowledgeable, Charles was often sought out for counsel, prayer, and encouragement. He had a profound love for reading and studying the Word of God, which he lived out daily through quiet faith and unwavering integrity.
Charles leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Louvenia Pate McCelos; their children, Anthony McCelos of Michigan City, Samona Jenkins of Indianapolis, and Jeremy McCelos of La Porte; and his beloved grandchildren, Ciara Woodard, Tychicus Dewberry II, and Quinten McCelos; and he had a host of nieces, nephews cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Leroy McCelos, Velma Lee McCelos, Verla Mae McCelos, Sagus Paul and Jo Ann Dixon.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 7, at 12:00 Noon at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Visitation will take place on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Burial will immediately follow at Pine Lake Cemetery.
Charles MacArthur McCelos will be remembered for his steadfast faith, servant’s heart, gentle strength, and the quiet but powerful way he lived the Gospel. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he loved, and the faith he so faithfully shared.
