He died Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018, at his home in Humphrey.

1942-2018

Charles Franklin was born April 7, 1942, in Camas, Clark County, Wash., to Charles Franklin and Fern May (Russell) Morris Sr. Chuck grew up in the Astoria and Warrenton, Ore., area. After high school, he went to Condon, Ore., and worked on his uncle’s ranch for a short period, and in the summer, he enjoyed commercial fishing.

In 1960, he joined the U.S. Army. He completed two tours in Korea, three tours in Germany and two tours in Vietnam. While serving in the Army, Chuck was a drill sergeant at Fort Lewis, Wash. He was a sniper instructor in Vietnam, as well as a helicopter crew chief, where he carried out 125 missions.

After Vietnam, he returned to Fort Carson, Colo. Many of his military duties and activities included serving as a battalion maintenance officer CWO2 and master shooter for All Army Marksmanship, traveling to various military bases through the U.S., shooting in National Combat Matches and competition, which became his livelihood and hobby.

Chuck retired from the U.S. Army after 23 years and moved back to Colorado Springs, Colo., from his last tour in Germany in 1980. After his military career, Chuck attended Colorado Aero Tech in Boulder, Colo., earning his private pilot’s license. He returned to college, earning a dual master’s degree in management and procurement from Regis University and Webster University. He went to work for Texas Instruments in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Chuck married Joanne (McMillan) Abrams on Feb. 3, 1975, at Fort Carson, Colo. Chuck always had a dream or a vision of doing something bigger and better. He dreamed of building his own boat and sailing around the world, but Joanne had no interest in being a sailor.

Chuck enjoyed reading books on boating, sailing, shooting and cars, especially Corvettes. He loved his Corvettes. He always stayed current with world events and politics.

In 1998, he and moved to Humphrey, where he and Joanne purchased their 10-acre farm. While waiting for Joanne to retire, he went to work driving concrete truck part time for Humphrey Co-op.

Chuck loved his kitty, Bonnie, which is just one of the 20 kitties he and Joanne have.

He is survived by his spouse, Joanne of 43 years; a son, Charles III; two daughters, Jenny Overby and Pedra Hyatt; a stepson, Alan Abrams; a sister, Janice Hendrickson; a brother, John May; eight nephews and a niece.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, Jack May, and a sister, Jo Morris Bradley.