Former UCC Homeland Ministries Board director John E. Morse dies at 86
Written by Staff Reports July 7, 2010
John E. Morse, who served as assistant to the executive vice president of the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries in the late 1960s, died April 13 at his home in Vancouver, Wash. He was 86.
A longtime attorney, Morse was born October 6, 1923, in Bartlesville, Okla. In his UCC role, he assisted in the planning and direction of the national mission programs of the Board and later served as its director.
"John Morse was a person of enormous abilities and committed fully to the ministry of the United Church of Christ," said the Rev. Paul H. Sherry, former UCC president. "For a number of years, he and I worked together on the staff of the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, and in the process became and remained warm friends and colleagues."
A major donor to the UCC's Make a Difference Campaign, Morse attended Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. (1941-43) and was in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was in the 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, 102nd Cavalry Group, and landed on Omaha Beach 10 days after D-Day. His unit was awarded five battle stars and a Presidential Citation for service in the Battle of the Bulge.
After his discharge in December 1945, Morse attended Stanford University, where he received bachelor's and law degrees. He and his wife of 55 years, Mary Jo, predeceased him in 2005. They enjoyed travel, particularly to developing countries around the world.
Morse is survived by his son, John D. Morse and daughter-in-law Susan; daughter Mary J. Morse; daughter Jennifer J. Morse; and grandchildren Lindsey, Erin, Kevin and Sarah Joy.
In 2006, Morse met Peggy Hilliard, who became his constant friend and companion for the rest of his life. Morse was an active member of First Congregational UCC in Vancouver, Wash., for over 61 years.