Charlie Martin Morse, 85 years, of Fort Madison, fell into the arms of God on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at the Great River Hospice House, West Burlington.

He was born in Kansas City, Mo. on Oct. 11, 1929, the son of James Martin and Rose May (Stout) Morse. He served with pride as a Paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division during the US Army of Occupation Japan and instructed parachute packing during the Korean War.

He married his beautiful wife Esther on May 6, 1952 at Fort Madison. After serving his country, Charlie worked for the Santa Fe Railroad and then protected citizens as a Police Sergeant with the Fort Madison Police Department for 35 years. Charlie graduated from St. Ambrose College with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology in 1977.

He loved his family, travel, chess, Science Fiction, Hopalong Cassidy and history. Charlie was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Esther Morse; a dedicated father to six children; Charlotte Fraise of North Dakota, Rebecca (Ronald Jr.) Leffler, Tenn., Linda King of Georgia, Steven (Julie) Morse of Iowa, Rose (Bruce) Bohnenkamp of Iowa, and Sheila Morse of Colorado; 11 grandchildren, Spencer Fraise, Adam Fraise, Ronald Leffler III, Heather Gomes, Melissa Leffler, Barry King II, Benjamin King, Joey Morse, Jennie Morse, Emily Bohnenkamp and Alexander Bohnenkamp; and 15 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rose May; his father, James Martin; and step-father, Arthur Shelledy.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 -11 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison, Iowa. Graveside services and burial with full military rites will be 12 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, at the Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington, with Pastor Jose Arellano officiating.

A memorial has been established for the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Fort Madison. Online condolences to the Morse family may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel and Cremation Services website, www.barrmemorialchapel.com.