Charles E. Alton, 78, of Shelbyville went to live with God on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011, at Major Hospital.

Born Feb. 16, 1933, in Vincennnes, he was the son of Ernest and Lottie (Brown) Alton. He married Shirley Gilbert on June 28, 1958, and she survives.

Other survivors include sons, James Alton of Indianapolis and John Alton of Waldron; daughters, Mary (Jim) Behnke of Tucson, Ariz., Linda (Haskell) Gibson of St. Paul and Shirl McCrickard of Shelbyville; sisters, Ann Houch, Betty Halter and Rita Taylor, all of Vincennes; and grandchildren, Brittany, Morgan, Chris, Joey, Nick, Chase and Logan; and great-grandchildren, Aiden and Ethan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Charles Alton Jr.; a grandson, Bradley Gibson; three sisters; and a brother.

Mr. Alton retired in 1993 after 33 years of service at Allison's General Motors.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving four years during the Koren War, followed by 26 years in the Navy Reserve, retiring as chief petty officer-hull technician. He received the Navy Achievement Medal on Jan. 31, 1982, and was a plank owner donor during development of the U.S. Navy Museum in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Alton was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the American Legion in Vincennes and the NRA. He will be remembered, along with his friend, Ed Ranochak, for his volunteerism and countless hours over the years of maintenance work at St. Joseph Catholic Church and School.

He enjoyed his fishing and hunting outings with family and friends, and always had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service and Crematory, 703 S. Harrison St., with a rosary recited at 3:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 125 E. Washington St., with Father John Maung officiating.

Burial will be in the St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Cemetery in Shelby County, with graveside military rites conducted by local veterans.

Memorial contributions may be donated to St. Joseph Catholic School, Roncalli High School or Shelby County Special Olympics in care of the funeral home.

An online guest book may be signed at www.murphyparks.com.