Morse, Archie Adelbert Obituary

Morse, Archie Adelbert attended Elk Grove High School in Elk Grove, CA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Morse, Archie Adelbert.

Graduation Year	Class of 1937
Date of Passing	Sep 19, 2011
About	Archie (91), a life time resident of Elk Grove and 1937 graduate of Elk Grove High School, passed away peacefully at home. He was born on December 1, 1919 to Archie and Barbara Comstock Morse, a pioneering family on Bruceville Road in East Franklin. Along with his older sister Evelyn and younger brothers Dave, George and Bert, his early years consisted of long workdays on the wheat farm, school studies, football, basketball, baseball, trumpet practice, and the occasional camping trip to the high Sierra's and cool dips with siblings and cousins in the nearby Cosumnes River. At 13, responsibilities mounted when his father passed away. Ten years later in 1942, Uncle Sam selected him #1 in the draft of 1942. He claimed that was the only lottery he ever won. Archie served four proud years in the U.S.Army's 10th Division, 861st Battalion, as a Unit Commander firing anti-aircraft guns in the Philippines and on Okinawa. He returned a First Lieutenant and met Patricia Mott soon after stepping off ship in Seattle. They married shortly thereafter, with their first child Sharon being born on their first anniversary. Following soon after were Archie Jr., Barbara, Bonnie, and Bruce. Archie farmed and had a dairy near Elk Grove and then transitioned to real estate appraiser, a craft he honed to perfection over 40 years. He was a Farm Bureau board member, a trustee of the original Carroll School, a local American Legion member and an Elk Grove Historical Society and Civil War Round Table regular. he stayed active with volleyball, bowling, tossing horseshoes, and duck hunting. In 2009, Morse Park was dedicated in memory of his family's contributions to the Elk Grove Community. In 1981, Archie married Mary Beth Coulter, a companion for life and laughter, until she passed away in 2002. He was also preceded in death by his parents and four siblings. In addition to his loving children, Sharon Helmar (Mark), Archie (Judy), Barbara Morse Wackford (Don), Bonnie Morse West (West), and Bruce (Gail), he leaves one step-son Alan Coulter (Laura), 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, three sister-in-laws, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Archie loved family and truly enjoyed being with his grandchildren and great-grandsons. He also enjoyed reading, historical research, writing his war memoir, coin collecting, cribbage, pinochle, eating figs, and joking with waitresses. In 1994, to celebrate his 75th birthday, he took 22 family members to Hawaii to share with them his memories of his time stationed at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu. Archie had a strong sense of duty and responsibility and was quick to help people in need. He navigated life's waters with laughter and a steady hand on the rudder. His sense of humor will surely be missed by friends, neighbors, and family. A 'celebration' of his life was held on Sunday, September 25th, at the Morse Family Ranch, 11040 Bruceville Road, Elk Grove starting at 11:00am with a memorial service followed by lunch. Remembrances can be made in his name to a special memorial fund established at the Elk Grove Historical Society, P.O.Box 562, Elk Grove, California 95759. - Information from the Sacramento Bee and the Elk Grove Citizen.