Richard Lewis Morrell

Richard Lewis Morrell, the son of John (Jack) S. and Olive England Morrell, was born June 21, 1925, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and died June 21, 2012, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Lake City, Florida after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 87 years. Richard, known affectionately by his family as “Dick” was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist Church. He attended Manning Community Schools graduating from the Manning High School with the Class of 1943. Dick enlisted in the United States Air Force. On November 17, 1946, Dick was united in marriage to Evelyn Meislahn at the Gray United Methodist Church. Four children Barbara, Douglas, Jeanette, and Deborah, were born to this union. They lived in Manning for a short time then moved to California where Dick reenlisted in the United States Air Force. While in the service the family lived in various locations where Dick was stationed. He honorably served his country with a military career that spanned a total of 24 years. That service included combat in two wars on two continents and resulted in the award of numerous medals and other honors prior to his retirement in 1971. After his Air Force career, Dick was employed at several Beer and Liquor Stores. Later he was appointed Director of the Iowa Beer and Liquor Commission by the Governor. Dick proudly served in this capacity for over 20 years before retirement. Dick enjoyed numerous hobbies during retirement which included home remodeling and model trains. In 2003, Dick and Evelyn moved from Des Moines, Iowa to Ocala, Florida to be closer to their children. Dick had been a member of the Gray United Methodist Church. He was along term member and supporter of the Manning VFW and American Legion. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and his half sister Loel Simmons. Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Evelyn Morrell of Ocala, Florida; his children Barbara Morrell and husband John Clement of Sunderland, Massachusetts, Douglas Morrell of Ocala, Jeanette and husband Larry Meeker of Orange Park, Florida, and Deborah Morrell and husband Roger Frick of Snellville, Georgia; his grandchildren Madeleine Frick, Matthew Frick, Kristen Morrell, Kelly and husband Anthony Picanso and their son Caden, and Kaitlin Morrell.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the Gray Cemetery west of Gray.

Visitation:
The family will meet friends Monday evening at 6:30 at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon.

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Lori Shannon on Tuesday, July 3, 2012, at 10:30 A.M. at the Gray United Methodist Church in Gray, Iowa.