Charles V. Fort

After 91 years of a life well lived, Charles V. Fort barreled through heaven’s gates to meet Jesus and his bride, Carol Ann Fort, and begin his eternal life on March 23, 2024.

Charles was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1932 to Harold Fort and Verla (Robinson) Fort.

Charles attended Hittle Township High School in Armington, Illinois.

He was a baseball & basketball star. At 6’3 he was tallest guy in Tazewell County. He was Valedictorian of his graduating class and he went on to graduate from the University of Illinois. Charles was an outstanding college baseball player and proudly earned two Big Ten championships.  Following college, he served his country as a Lieutenant in the Navy during the Korean War. His experience gained him a deep love and respect for his country.  During his service, Charles played football for the Navy. Charles also represented the Navy as a tight end in 1954 at the Torii Bowl in Japan.

After his time in the Navy Charles married Carol Sheppert Fort in 1960.  The couple put down roots in Morton, Illinois and started a family.  They adopted two children Kevin (Staci) Fort and Brenda Jo (Eric) Overbey.  Charles’ grandchildren, Beau Dries, Haili Fort, Emily Kauffman, Nate Overbey and Rose Hernandez and her husband Sam will miss Charles’s humor and larger than life personality. Charles was blessed with three great grandchildren, Liam King, Charles Patrick and Annabelle Claire Kauffman. Charles’ also leaves behind a brother, Duane Fort and two special caregivers, Linda and Nicole, who both quickly went from caregivers to practically family. They both gave Charles the encouragement and friendship he needed in the last years of his life.

Charles enjoyed golfing, camping and especially the St. Louis Cardinals. Charles was never to be ignored or unnoticed, he always left his mark and was proud to do so.

Charles was preceded in death by a sister, Reva Etheridge and his beloved wife, Carol, of 62 years.  After 16 months of being apart the couple are now together forever in heaven.  While Charles will be deeply missed, we rejoice that his broken heart is whole again in so many ways.

Services to remember Charles will be on Friday, March 29th, 2024 at Yoder Culp funeral home, 1911 S Main St, Goshen, Indiana 46526. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. with military honors performed at 4 p.m., followed by a celebration of life service.