Royalton, VT – Charles “Charlie” Morse, 83, a lifelong resident of Royalton, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. He was born on November 10, 1942 in Randolph, Vermont to Henry Chester Morse, Jr. and Elizabeth (Gray) Morse. He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah (Laundry) and his two children; Claudia (Chad), who lives in Minnesota, and Chadwick (Jenn), who lives in Royalton and his grandchildren – Collin and Julia (Chadwick’s) and Dylan and Noah (Claudia’s). He leaves behind his brother Bruce; his brothers-in-law Wayne Henry (Linda) of Waltham, MA, Steve Laundry (Richelle) of Plainfield, NH, Patrick Laundry (Jay) of Enfield, NH; his sisters-in-law Rhonda Laundry of Hartford, VT, Becky Durso (Carl) of Concord, NH, and Patrice Tibbetts (Bruce) of Bethel, VT. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews as well as their exchange student from Thailand that lived with them during the 2002/2003 school year, Nag (Park), who lives in Missouri. He was predeceased by his parents and in-laws, Pat and Joyce Laundry; Carol, his first wife; Tim Laundry, his brother-in-law and his nephew Justin Laundry and niece Andrea Tibbetts.
Upon graduating from South Royalton High School, where he was a member of Future Farmers of America, he attended Vermont Technical College for Agriculture. Not too long later, he was drafted into the Army where he served three years, mostly in Germany. He met his first wife, Carol and married her on July 26, 1969. Their daughter, Claudia was born three years later. Charlie and Deborah met in 1976 and were married on December 2, 1978. Their son, Chadwick was born the following year. Charlie and Deborah were able to share 47 years of married life. Charlie was a quiet, observant person that had a dry sense of humor that often made people chuckle and someone you could count on.
Charlie ran Morse Family Farm until the early 1980’s. He then began driving truck. Over the years, he worked for Theo Thomas, Merrill Transport, Pat Laundry and Sons Transportation, Cargill, White River Trucking, Lucky’s, RSD and Kleen Laundry. During the mid-60’s and 70’s, Charlie enjoyed participating in Contra dancing. Throughout the years, Charlie loved camping with family and friends in the New England area, as well as a few long-distance trips to Florida, North Caroline and North Dakota. His favorite destination was a family reunion in Damariscotta, Maine. In his later years, he enjoyed playing cards, spending time with Debba’s day care kids and their families as well as spending time with his dog, Copper.
There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 4pm on Saturday, March 7th, 2026 at the Royalton Academy, 4182 VT Rt. 14, South Royalton, VT.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Gifford Hospital, Wendy Merrihew and the Visiting Nurse Association, especially Gracia Rogers, for their help in caring for Charlie in his final week of life.
The Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home, Chelsea, VT is assisting with arrangements. A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com.
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes