Charles C. Morledge

May 7, 1928 - July 19, 2007

Charlie Morledge died suddenly July 19, 2007, while enjoying one of his favorite pastimes, hiking in the Beartooth Mountains above Red Lodge.

He was born to Roy V. and Julia Tehrin Morledge May 7, 1928, in Vienna, Austria, while his father completed a medical residency at the University of Vienna. He was raised in Billings on the Morledge ranch with his five siblings, in a home that overflowed with friends and high energy. He married Patricia Anne Conner, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, in 1947 and would have celebrated their 60th anniversary on December 30th. To their union, twins Bonne and Marilyn were born in 1951 in Washington, D.C. In 1974, following the death of his sister, Polly Morledge Hampton, Charlie and his family were blessed with the addition of Scott, age 6, whom they raised and adopted.

After graduating from Senior High School in 1945, he completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado and Montana State University. He earned his M.D. from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in 1952, then completed an internship at the Public Health Service Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. He practiced general medicine with the U.S. Public Health Service at Kiowa Hospital in Lawton, Oklahoma and with the U.S. Coast Guard in Portland, Oregon. He then completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City, Iowa. In 1958, he returned to Billings to join his father's medical practice, establishing the ophthalmology practice continued today by his son, Scott Morledge-Hampton.

Charlie was a devoted practitioner, working to save his patients' vision and often helping patients pro bono. He and his brother, Tom, and his son, Scott made trips to Haiti to serve patients in need. He also served in numerous professional organizations: the Montana and the American Academy of Ophthalmology; the Yellowstone Valley, Montana and American Medical Associations; and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He was a president of the Montana Academy of Ophthalmology and of the Billings Deaconess Hospital staff.

He devoted his time and energies to his family and his community, inspired by a never-failing generosity of spirit. He and his wife were especially fond of Rocky Mountain College, where he served on the National Advisory Council and became a trustee in 1995. With his wife, Patti, and his children, he helped ensure the beautification of the campus.

For his many efforts in support of Rocky Mountain College, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in humane letters. He also was inducted into the Rocky Mountain College Alumni Hall of Fame for his loyalty to and belief in Rocky Mountain College.

Charlie's intellectual curiosity was a major factor in his life, leading him to many endeavors that enriched his and others' lives. At one time, he served as moderator in the First Congregational Church. He enjoyed numerous pursuits, which he always attacked with passion. He and his son, Scott, shared a love of flying, which Charlie began in his 60s, earning numerous ratings, including certified flight instructor. He and his wife loved motorhoming and the adventures they had along the way. He enjoyed golf and hiked many mountain trails. He read and followed history and current events. He remained a vital member of his world. He was always dedicated to his wife, Patti, his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his infant daughter, Robin Anne, his brothers John and Roy, Jr. and his sister, Polly.

He is survived by his wife, Patti; his children, Bonne Morscheck (Tom) of Spokane, Washington, Marilyn Kohles (Jim) and Scott Morledge-Hampton (Diane) of Billings; his grandchildren Heidi (Shon Grimes) and Luke (Jamie); Lisa (Patrick Chapel), Jimmy and Jack; Sara, Benjamin, Charles Calvin, Nicholas and Abigail; great-grandchildren Trystin, Lilah and Eben; brothers Thomas (Lynn) of Billings and David (Renata) of San Jose, California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial service at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 310 N. 27th Street, on Wednesday, July 25 at 10:30 am.

Should friends desire, the family suggests donations in lieu of flowers to Rocky Mountain College or the charity of one's choice.