William “Charlie” Morse, age 69, of Milford Center, died peacefully on Friday, December 8, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family following a battle with cancer.
On February 27, 1954, William was born as a twin with Bea, the youngest of four children of the late Walter “Doc” Morse and Beatrice (Williams) Morse. They lost their mother when they were only 5 days old. He graduated from Fairbanks High School in the class of 1972.
For nearly 40 years, Charlie worked as a millwright at Ohio Grain, which became the Champaign Landmark Grain Elevator. He loved the guys he worked with, and always practiced what he preached that “safety comes first”. And while he survived the explosion at the grain elevator on November 6, 1976, he never fully got over it. It was about that time, he found that he really enjoyed a cold Budweiser with a dash of salt.
Introduced by mutual friends, Charlie married the love of his life, Paula (McCullough) Kline, on April 13, 2000. They were always there for each other these past 23 years.
When Charlie wasn’t working hard at the elevator, he could often be found helping his nephew, Derek Nicol, at their 5th generation Morse Family Farm in Milford Center. His family will forever be grateful for Derek being Charlie and Paula’s caretakers these past few years.
Always laughing and joking around, Charlie had a one liner for about everything. He also had a dry, quick wit to keep you on your toes.
Charlie will be missed by his wife, Paula Morse of Milford Center; two step-sons: Doug (Twnya) Kline of New Carlisle, and Darren Kline of Dayton; a great-grandson, Joshua Kline; two sisters: Betty Billingsley of Westerville, and Bea Cook of Milford Center; 5 nieces and 2 nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Including his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his sister and two brothers-in-law: Susan (Joe) Kestella, and Chuck Billingsley.
Services for Charlie will be observed privately by his family.
Memorial contributions to Union Twp. Fire & EMS or ViaQuest and it may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
On behalf of their family, they would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to everyone at the Union Township Fire Dept & EMS for always coming to help whenever they needed them, and to ViaQuest Hospice for their tender care of Charlie in his final weeks and days.
Ingram Funeral Home is honored to serve Charlie’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.IngramFuneralService.com.