William "Bill" Leroy Morse 5/5/1930 - 2/15/2014

William Leroy Morse

May 5, 1930 - February 15, 2014

William Leroy Morse was born on May 5, 1930, at St. Mary's Hospital to Ralph and Neville Morse who were homesteaders on Glade Park.

Bill was raised, along with his two brothers, Bob and Don, on Glade Park, and attended Coates Creek School, later graduating from Grand Junction High School.

He proudly joined the US Navy in 1951, and served through 1955 as a Gunners Mate. In 1953, he married his life long love, Betty Ann Lutz, and for over 50 years they lived in the Valley and raised their children.

Bill was a union electrician by trade, a cowboy, rancher, historian and an outdoor enthusiast. In his lifetime he fulfilled many roles, son, brother, friend, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather. In each role, Bill left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

In 2009, he lost Betty Ann, after a loving marriage of 56 years. He lost his battle with cancer on February 15, 2014.

Bill is survived by his children, son, Tim (Christina) Morse, and daughter, Nancy Morse, and step-daughter, Jo Ann Mills. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Chad (Sharlene) Morse, and Amanda Morse, as well as three great-grandchildren. Bill's last two years were also lovingly impacted by his caregiver, Heather Wagner, and her family. Bill's life touched many people and he will be greatly missed by all.

A memorial service to celebrate Bill's life will be held February 24, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the Callahan-Edfast Mortuary chapel. Burial will follow the service at 1:00 p.m. at the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to HopeWest Hospice, 3090B North 12th St., Grand Junction, CO 81506.


Published in The Daily Sentinel on Feb. 20, 2014