William F. Morgan
May 27, 1920 — May 24, 2011
MONTROSE — William F. Morgan, age 90, died Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at Sunrise Creek
Assisted Living. He was born on May 27, 1920 to Robert and Vida Morgan, in Columbus, Ohio. Bill grew up in Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Before graduating from the Evanston College Institute near Chicago, he earned his pilots license through the Civil Pilot Training Program. When WWII began, Bill immediately did two things. First, he proposed to Bette Wallis, then joined the Navy Air Corps. Prior to overseas deployment, he and Bette were married on July 29, 1943.
Lt. j.g. Morgan served in World War II as a Naval Aviator. He was a Navigator/Pilot on the PB4Y-1, the Navy’s version of the B-24 bomber, in the Southwest Pacific Theater. He proudly served in Patrol Bombing Squadron VB-109, which was twice awarded the Navy Presidential Unit Citation for valor in combat. He also served briefly in North Africa. Bill’s individual awards include the Air Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Throughout the rest of his life, he was the ultimate Navy man, always focused on duty and honor.
After the war, Bill and Bette moved to Columbus, Ohio where he worked for an aircraft manufacturer. He also worked in manufacturing management jobs in Tennessee and Indiana before returning to college to become a licensed nursing home administrator. He and Bette then moved to Montrose in 1979 where he was the administrator of San Juan Living Center until his retirement. He and Bette always happily considered Montrose to be their hometown. He was very active in Montrose community service, and was particularly proud of helping to create the new track at the Montrose High School. Bill was an active member of the United Methodist Church.
He loved life, his family, his Sheltie dogs and various cats, his neighbors and his community. He was a great Dad. He is survived by his son, Bill Jr. (Beverly) of Phoenix, Ariz. and his daughters, Lynne (Robb) Ruyle and Wendy (Jerry) Burrell, both of Montrose. His loyal cat, Morgy Morgan, also survives him. He was the proud grandfather of Tom Ruyle and Erin Ruyle Martinez, Jeremy Morgan and Jaime Morgan Easchief, and Jeff Burrell. He was very pleased to be a great-grandfather of five. Bill is also survived by his brother, Dan. He was recently preceded in death by Bette, his wife of 67 years; his brothers, Robert and David; and his grandson, Troy Burrell.
At Bill’s request, cremation has taken place. A private family memorial service to celebrate both Bill and Bette’s life together will be held early this summer, on a beautiful day in their beloved San Juan Mountains. Memorial donations to honor Bill’s life may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado or the Montrose United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.
