CHARLES L. "MIKE" MORRIS, age 86, a resident of Charleston died at 4:45 a.m. Sunday, August 30, 2009, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

He was born on June 27, 1923 in Sparta, IL to the late William E. and Lydia Roettgers Morris. He had lived in Charleston most of his life where he owned and operated Morris Machines until his retirement. A member of the First Christian Church in Charleston, he was a member and Past Master of the Charleston Masonic Lodge #407 AF & AM , and a Past Patron of the Eastern Star. During WW II he served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater with the US Army Air Corps, and was a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion. He had made friends from all across the area through activities he enjoyed which included golfing, hunting, fishing, and square dancing.
On March 14, 1954 he married Elizabeth Peebles who survives of the home.

Also surviving are one daughter and son in law, Barbara Fern and Thad Trousdale of Overland Park, KS.

In addition to his parents, one brother, William E. Morris, and one sister, Fern Collins, preceded him in death.

Friends may call after 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2009, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston until the funeral hour at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Jim Malugen, pastor of the First Christian Church in Charleston, and Mike Grimes of Charleston will officiate.

Charleston Masonic Lodge #407 will conduct graveside committal rites at the IOOF Cemetery. Interment will follow under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Robert Peebles, Thomas Peebles, Gary Garth, Rick Reed, Richard Hutcheson, and Phil Rowland.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill Chambers, Bob Thomason, George Roberts, and members of the Charleston Masonic Lodge #407 AF & AM.

Memorial Contributions may be made to:

First Christian Church 109 S. Virginia Street Charleston, Missouri 63834

Masonic Lodge # 407 AF & AM P O Box 396
Charleston, Missouri 63834