Lawrence Dean Morrell

Lawrence D. Morrell, PhD, age 84,  passed away on  Friday, February 1, 2019 after an extended battle with cancer.

Born in Galesburg, IL he moved with his family of 14 to Fountain, CO where he graduated from high school. Upon completing his military service, he earned degrees from California Baptist University in Riverside, CA; Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, CA; and United States International University in San Diego, CA.  Dr. Morrell was proud of his service in the United States Marine Corps (1956-1961), which profoundly influenced all he accomplished during life. Afterward, he served as a minister, counselor, and educator, retiring in 2006 from Rio Rancho Public Schools where he established the Young Marines Program at Lincoln Middle School and was instrumental in securing a Marine Corps affiliation for the JROTC at Rio Rancho High School. Since retiring, Larry has been active in his church, Toastmasters, Sons of the American Revolution, and the New Mexico State Guard.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah B Morrell; his children, Elizabeth Hurst Younger of Sonora, CA, David Lawrence Morrell of Albuquerque, NM, Karis Lynne Davidson of Pinetop, AZ; and six grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sisters, Ruth Sinnes of Security, CO, Patricia Harper of Calhan, CO, Mary Nevling of Aledo, IL, and Sally Schwaner of Kirksville, MO.  Larry was preceded in death by his parents, James Edward and Doris Deane Morrell of Security, CO; and siblings, Betty Dahl of Galesburg, IL, Shirley Hoffmeier of Duncanville, TX, Martha Molloy of MO, Marge Headley of Atkinson, IL, Lynn Morrell, PhD of Indianapolis, IN, Lyle Morrell of Colorado Springs, CO, and James Donald Morrell of Solvang, CA.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, February 15, 2019, 10:00 a.m. at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, 211 Jefferson St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust at CST.DAV.org.