Lari Morse

Loyal and dependable, Jerald Lari Morse was a fun loving guy who enjoyed life. He found pleasure in many things, but the key to his heart was the unending love he held for his family. Just a kid at heart, he was comfortable with who he was, and never tried to be anything different. He found solace and sanctuary in his appreciation for the outdoors, all while taking in all that God had created. A loving husband, dedicated father, awesome PaPa, devoted brother and friend, Lari will live on in the hearts of those he loved. The decade of the 1960s was ever changing. Great strides were made in space travel, the field of medicine, and the Beatles dominated the music charts. Cause for concern, the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the threat of nuclear war while the civil rights movement and peace demonstrations during Vietnam made daily headlines. Born on October 19, 1962 in El Paso, Texas, Jerald, or Lari as he became affectionately known, was an added blessing in the lives of his parents, Gerald E. and Loretta (Tolliver) Morse. His father, a military man, served in Air Force aviation while his mother, a homemaker, later took on a position in a local factory. A family of adventurous boys, Lari grew up with his brothers Gary, Richard Rick, Michael and Gale. For the first years of Laris life they lived in El Paso before moving to Puerto Rico for a few years. They later transferred to Oscoda, Michigan when Laris father became stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Although all young boys have a rambunctious side, Lari was a little rascal in every sense of the word. He was downright mischievous, and was cause for many of his mothers gray hairs! Quite the prankster, he possessed a sarcastic side to his nature which remained with him his whole life through. Not too fond of neighbors they once had, Lari placed a hose in their basement window, and flooded it completely. He then proceeded to be quite happy with himself about it! As a teenager, Lari personified the word hippy and was often the life of the party. He was also very athletic and with his running ability, he would have made a great running back playing high school football but refused to cut his hair. Lari wasnt one to conform and often lived to a beat all his own. After attending Oscoda Elementary School and later graduating from Oscoda High School, Lari continued his education at Alpena Community College in auto maintenance. Lari had a passion for the outdoors and the woods was his sanctuary where he found solitude and peace and where he had communion with God. He especially loved camping. Although always close to his family and great friends, he at times preferred just getting away with his thoughts, usually enjoying one of his favorite places outdoors. Dedicated and devoted, Lari was someone with whom anyone could depend. When his brother Ricks marriage fell apart, Lari moved in with him and his son Michael. While living at the trailer park with them, another phase of Laris life was about to begin. Clad in a pair of short shorts, he caught the eye of a young woman visiting nearby who boldly whistled at him. Vickie Hipkins loved Laris flowing locks which draped down to his waist, and they soon began a year long courtship. While watching a proposal scene in a Marx Brothers movie, Lari initiated a proposal of his own and on April 28, 1984 they were happily married, even if everyone smelled of smoke from a nearby forest fire. It made for a very memorable day in more ways than one. Lari counted his children as his greatest accomplishment. Having come from a family of all boys, he too welcomed three great sons into his heart when he became the proud father of Joey, Nate and Sean. In 1988, they moved to Muskegon. As a devoted husband and father, Lari did everything for and with his family. He supported his boys in football and each of their many activities. As a family, they enjoyed many carpet picnics, movie nights, and bonfires with family and friends over the years. Just a kid at heart, Lari loved holiday celebrations. Enjoyed by all, the holidays were always special in their home. The festivities were sure to create lasting memories year after year. Although Lari never disciplined with spankings, his authoritative Voice of Thunder was sure to get their attention. A hard and dedicated worker, Lari worked at Schamber Tractors for a year before moving on to Eagle Alloy where he became lead inspector. Eventually he moved on to Amstore where he worked as a shipping superintendent. Lari also served as a steward and member of the DNR Conservation Club. An avid hunter, he enjoyed fishing and was an expert when it came to mushroom hunting. In his free time, he enjoyed working on cars. Following several injuries, Lari underwent various surgeries and was off work for nearly a year. He began working at Amstore as a shipping superintendent, remaining there for the past five years. He worked through intense, chronic pain, but held strong and never complained. At the age of 48, Jerald Lari Morse died unexpectedly yet quietly in his sleep on Thursday, November 11, 2010. Not only was Lari a reliable and honest man, he was comfortable with himself. He never put on airs, and what people saw is what people got. Lari lived life fully and abundantly, all while enjoying the love of family. Lari touched many lives while he was alive and even hours after his passing he played an integral role in helping restore a wounded family relationship that would have brought gladness to his heart. A loyal man with whom others could depend, his life impacted many in remarkable ways. His family is genuinely touched with the love and support they have been given since his sudden death. SURVIVORS: Wife, Vickie; sons: Joey (Janella) Morse of Muskegon, Nate (Beth) Morse of Wyoming, Michigan, Sean Nichols of Muskegon; grandson, Jaxon Morse; parents, Gerald and Loretta Morse of Oscoda, Michigan; brothers: Gary (Kathy) Morse, Richard Rick (Mary) Morse, both of Oscoda, Gale (Donna) Morse of Florida; nephews: Michael (Candi) Morse of Traverse City, Christopher Morse of Texas. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Morse. SERVICE: Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 3:00 PM at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Pastor Wes DeVries officiating. VISITATION: Monday, 7-9 PM at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. Memorials may be directed to the family. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory of Lari, submit a photo or to sign his online guest book.