Charles Ralph Morton

Charles Ralph Morton, of Bloomington, Illinois, passed away on October 29, 2025, at the age of 94.

Charlie was born in North Judson, Indiana, on June 18th, 1931, to Rheua Marie (Lamb) Morton and Lawrence Joseph Morton.

The family moved first to Nebraska and then Missouri where they started a farm in Osage County. He graduated from high school at the age of 16 and then worked on the family farm for several years.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951, worked as an aircraft mechanic, and earned an honorable discharge in 1955.

He attended the University of Missouri on the G.I. Bill, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

He married Frances Ann Dubrouillet, of Linn, Missouri, on October 3, 1959, and the couple moved to Liberty, Missouri in 1960 and later to Pekin, Illinois and then Westmont, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. While in Pekin, he earned a master’s degree in engineering administration at Bradley University. Charlie spent almost his entire career at Corn Products Company, working initially at the corn wet milling plant and eventually becoming Director of Energy over all of Corn Products International. He traveled extensively for work, with many trips to Europe, Asia, and South America, in addition to all of North America. Even though the family lived in the city, Charlie remained a country boy, and he spent his free time working on the family cars and building and repairing gadgets and devices. He loved to fix things, and he taught his daughters to do the same. He finally retired at the age of 70 but continued as a consultant for several years afterward. Charlie and Frances eventually moved to Bloomington, Illinois, to be closer to their grandchildren.

He was an avid bridge player and played in many tournaments throughout the state. He volunteered at his local parish of Holy Trinity and was active in the Knights of Columbus. He followed politics, and the local, national, and world news closely and was never shy about sharing his opinions. In his later years, he joined a prayer group at Westminster Village, the retirement center in which they lived, and he gave generously to many charitable organizations.

He is preceded in death by his beloved brother, Glennon Morton.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Frances, and his dear sister, Patricia Mehmert. He is also survived by his two daughters Teresa Ann (Scott) Hogan and Susanne Marie (Justin Rajendra) Morton; his five cherished grandchildren Jacob (Sydney) Hogan, Zachary (Victoria) Hogan, Nicholas (Brigitte) Hogan, Kayla (Alex) Musselman, and Julian Rajendra; and his eight great-grandchildren, Atticus, Joelle, Finley, Greyson, Maddox, Piper, Sawyer and Lottie.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at St. George Catholic Church in Linn with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Anthony Rinaldo as the Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Ignatius (Baileys Creek) Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214)    www.mortonchapel.com