Fred Morlan

Fred L. Morlan

Fred L. Morlan, 79 of Kirksville passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Northeast Regional Medical Center on Friday July 10.

Freddie Leroy Morlan, the son of Roy Bennet and Ethel Leota (Altiser) Morlan, he was born on June 14, 1936 in Pollock, MO and attended school at a rural country school near Pollock. Fred left Pollock in 1958 to join the Army where he served in South Korea. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 28, 1962. Later Fred moved to Eldora, Iowa to work and live close to his brother Ray. While living in Eldora he met the love of his life, Kay.

Fred was united in marriage to Kay Ann Mathews on November 26, 1960 in Eldora, IA at the church of Christ. During their marriage Fred and Kay lived in Iowa around the Marshalltown and Legrand area where Fred worked as a farm hand, as the owner of a filling station called ‘Fred’s Deeprock’, and building fire engines at the American Fire Apparatus. Fred and Kay bought their first home in Legrand and enjoyed remodeling it themselves. While living in Legrand, Fred and Kay had a daughter, Lisa Kay on Sept. 17, 1969. They enjoyed traveling, camping, and fishing with family and friends. One hobby that Fred loved in his longer years was snowmobile riding with Kay, and sister Marge and brother-in-law Joe and all of the kids.

In 1978 Fred moved his family back to Missouri to Putnam Co, where he pursued his dream of owning his own farm. Fred loved farming and particularly loved to raise sheep, and made many fond memories living “out on the farm”.

In 1985, Fred and family moved to Kirksville where he started his own cleaning business, ‘Morlan’s Custodial Service’. Fred was very dedicated to his business and the quality of his work and pleasing his customers. Fred decided to retire in 1997. After his retirement he enjoyed gardening and most of all growing flowers, with his favorites being his prize hibiscus and rose of Sharon. People from all over town that noticed them would stop to admire them, or ask him questions about them. Fred also loved to sing karaoke and singing classic country songs, with Johnny Cash songs being his favorite. Fred also enjoyed grilling for his family, and granddaughter Cara still says he grilled the best steaks she’s ever had.

Fred most enjoyed spending time with his two grandchildren, Cara Curtis and Cohen Shockey. He was fun at heart and would jump in the wading pool with Cara when she was little and loved playing Frisbee with Cohen and his dog Paisley.

Fred is survived by his wife, Kay of Kirksville; a daughter, Lisa and son-in-law, Jeff Shockey of Kirksville; two grandchildren, Cara Curtis of Columbia, and Cohen Shockey of Kirksville; one brother, Don (Anita) Morlan of Columbus, OH and many nieces and nephews.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ethel Morlan, and nine of his siblings, Wayne Morlan (infant), Virginia Worsfold, Ruby Hartkey, Loretta (Alvita) McPherson, Thelma (Geraldine) Higgason, James Morlan, Ray Morlan, Olive Saner, and Margaret Handley-Smith.

Fred will always be well-known for his loving and caring nature, and his wonderful sense of humor. He was a great mentor and loved by all that have been blessed to know him.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday (July 18, 2015) at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home. Burial will be in Maple Hills Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the

Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home
2100 E. Shepherd Ave.
Kirksville, MO 63501 660-665-2233

Memorials are suggested to the D.A.V.