Vernon Morse

The Rev. Dr. Vernon Charles Morse, 87, of New Philadelphia, went home to be with his Heavenly Father, on January 8, 2018 at the Community Hospice Truman House in New Philadelphia.

Born March 28, 1930 in Sharon, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Charles Henry and Eleanor (Dennis) Morse.

While in school, he met his loving wife of 60 years, the former JoAnn Deem. They were married in East Liverpool on August 17, 1957.

Dr. Morse earned his Master of Theology degree at the Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. Then he began his career in ministry, serving at several churches. It was during this time that he completed his Doctorate of Ministry at Boston University.

Dr. Morse served as secretary for the Board of Ministerial Studies on the New England District Church of the Nazarene for many years. He guided many future ministers in completing courses needed for ordination. He also served as an adjunct professor for Nazarene Bible College. Dr. Morse enjoyed sharing his time with those who needed a friendly smile and a listening ear whether the individual was in a nursing home, hospital, or at a home.

Not only was Dr. Morse a faithful servant, but also a beloved husband to JoAnn; father to Linda (David) Fregeau of Raynham, Massachusetts, Karen (Harold “Butch”) Chapin of Corona, California, and JoLynn (John) Cramer of Corning, New York; grandfather to Tricia and David Fregeau, Timothy Chapin and Dawn Chapin Schreiber and Jessica, John, Joel and Jared Cramer; and great-grandfather to Ashley and Ryan Chapin, Logan and Chase Schreiber and Leah Fregeau.

He enjoyed warm, sunny days where he could be in the outdoors tending to his garden and keeping an immaculate yard. He was always busy working on a project and lending a helping hand.

Dr. Morse was preceded in passing by his parents, Charles and Eleanor; and four brothers and four sisters.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Thursday, January 11, 2018 from 4 to 7 PM. A service celebrating his life will be held in the First Church of the Nazarene on Friday, January 12, 2018 beginning at 11 AM. A meal will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Entombment will take place Saturday at noon in Calcutta United Presbyterian Cemetery at East Liverpool, Ohio.

Memorial contributions in Dr. Morse’s memory may be directed to the First Church of the Nazarene, 233 Fair Ave. NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.