Charles Edward Morse, 70, of Springfield, died Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020, at his home.
Visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Butler Funeral Home in Springfield. Military honors will be provided, followed by a eulogy. Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following the ceremonies.
Mr. Morse was born March 24, 1949, in Springfield, the son of Lewis H. and Mary Ann (Hobson) Morse. He married Angela Reese on June 5, 1998, in Springfield, and she survives.
He attended school in Farmersville. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War after being drafted in February 1969. He also served in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1975 to 1977.
From 1970 to 1977, he was employed with Fiat-Allis. He completed a four-year apprenticeship as a member of the Fireman and Oilers Union Local 19. He then worked as a control room operator at CWLP Power Plant, retiring at the age of 50 on June 30, 1999.
An avid carpenter, he was a gun-rights activist and second amendment supporter. He was an honorary life member of the Springfield Tactical Shooters Club and Gunslingers Indoor Range. He was a life member of the United States Practical Shooting Association, the Illinois Rifle Association and a member of the NRA.
He could fix anything, enjoyed shooting, riding his Harley, watching Fox News, but above all else, spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by son, Rocky Morse, Sr. (fiancee Tessa Sergent) of Chatham; daughter, Chelsea (husband Rick) Reimann of Chatham; Rocky and Chelsea’s mother, Toni Miles; grandchildren, Briana (husband Dan) Byers, Rocky Morse, Jr., Landry Morse, Aaron Reimann, Faybryanna Sergent, Lyllian Ramirez and Reyna Lind; great-grandchildren, Madilynn Byers and Keegan Reimann; siblings, Donald (wife Val) Morse, Kenneth (wife Vickie) Morse, Jim (wife Leigh) Morse, Judy Eliason, Nancy (husband Jim) Mellinger and Barbara (husband Glen) Ellison; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Dorothy Jean Morse.
Memorials may be made to The Second Amendment Foundation, 12500 Northeast 10th Place, Bellevue, WA 98005.
Online condolences may be left at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com.
