Charles Whorton Jr., 98, of Huntsville, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, at home.
He was born on March 16, 1924, in Aurora, Ark., to Charles and Vera Cluck Whorton.
Charles was stationed overseas during World War II. It was while serving in the Army that he met Edith Alice May Taylor from Worcester, England. They were married on Dec. 5, 1945, in Worcester. After he was discharged, they moved to Madison County where they lived the rest of their lives and raised five children.
Charles took great pride in serving the residents of Madison County. He was County Clerk from 1955-1972 and County Judge from 1972 till his retirement in 1988. Charles decided he was not through being a public servant. He ran for State Representative District 17 and held that office for 8 years.
With the exception of the 34 months Charles served in the U.S. Army, he spent his entire life as a farmer and in public office. Charles was instrumental in working with the State Legislature in acquiring funding for many projects to improve Madison County. He was especially proud of bringing the EMS to Madison County as well as recruiting Butterball and LaBarge to this area. Charles received many honors of distinction during his life. He really liked bragging to his grandchildren about being inducted into the Huntsville Athletic Hall of Fame. Christmas was always Charles’ favorite time of the year because all of his family would come home to celebrate with him.
During his later years, Charles spent a lot of time at the Madison County Senior Activity Center where he enjoyed playing cards and visiting with friends. He even brought home a few trophies for his skills in Spades.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Edith; one son, Phillip Whorton; and two grandchildren, Tammy and Freddy Bolinger.
He is survived by three sons, Jim and his wife, Lesley, of Tulsa, Okla., Greg and his wife, Donna, of Fairfield, Texas, Jerry and his wife, Helen Ann, of Fort Smith, Ark.; his daughter, Beverly Bolinger of Huntsville; and daughter-in-law, Tammy Whorton of Huntsville. Charles was also blessed with 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
His family would like to thank all the ladies who helped take care of him these last few years. He received excellent care from them and was blessed to be able to spend his final years at home.
The family visited with friends Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Brashears Funeral Home.
A private family burial followed at Aurora Cemetery with his grandsons serving as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Madison County Senior Activity Center, 903 N. College St., Huntsville, AR 72740.
Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.