Charles Morris Ireland

Charles Morris Ireland, 85, passed away on August 30, 2026 at Mercy Hospital Southeast in Cape Girardeau. He was born on August 24, 1941 in Cape Girardeau, MO to the late Mary L. (Corbin) Schroeder Fritzen. He was raised by his grandparents Charles and Mildred Corbin.

Charles was married to Alice (McPherson) Ireland on August 2, 1971, at Eisleben Lutheran Church in Scott City. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and received a PhD from University of Missouri, Columbia. He taught at Southeast Missouri State University in the Educational/Psychology department for over 20 years.

Music was an important part of Charles’s life, and he shared his talent with others as a musician. He was a proud member of the National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame, Cape Girardeau County Gun Club, the Cape Girardeau County Historical Society and many professional organizations.

He was survived by his beloved wife of 55 years; son, Sean (Michele) Ireland; grandchildren, Erin and Emily Ireland; brother, Phil (Cheryl) Schroeder; brothers in law, Michael (Jeanette) McPherson and Roger McPherson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, brothers, Greg, Steve, Bobby, and Dick Schroeder, and his great-nephew Jordan Russell.

Interment will be at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, MO at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame, c/o Joe Hudson, 95 Kinney Lane, Greenville, KY 42345 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.