Adelbert Ray Morrison

Adelbert "Del" Ray Morrison passed away at his home May 14, 2011 of natural causes. He was 88. Adelbert was born October 22, 1922 in Palisade, CO to Ray N. and Nellie B. (Notestein) Morrison. He was raised on the family orchards. He attended Palisade schools and graduated from Palisade High School in 1940. He worked as a clerk in the local market and as a school bus driver for a short time and then enlisted in the United States Army in 1943. Sgt. FC Del served overseas in the European Theatre and was wounded in 1944 for which he was awarded a Purple Heart and the Belgian Fourragere 1940. After his recovery he continued to serve as a supply clerk and he organized entertainment events for the soldiers until his Honorable Discharge in 1946. Del continued to serve in the reserves for several years after. After the service, Del worked 12 years for the C.D. Smith Company in Grand Junction where he met Loda Miracle (deceased). They were married April 24, 1949. Del married Marie Beahm in 1994, they were divorced in 1997. Del was the manager for Elks Lodge 575 for 17 years and served as Exalted Ruler for 1961-1962. He also worked for local businesses Fuoco Motors, Munro Pump, Brownson's and retired from Village Squire Clothiers in October of 2006 at the age of 84. Del was a member of the Redland's Lions Club for over 30 years and served as club Secretary/Treasurer for a number years and was "Lion of the Year" in 1983. He was also club President from 1984-1985. Del made many wonderful friends during his years in Lions and several of these friends made sure that he was able to get to meetings and events after he could no longer drive. Del deeply appreciated his friends and neighbors that helped him to continue to stay active in his later years. He loved going for coffee or out to dinner with friends and looked forward to his "Tuesday Group" at the Center for Independence. Going to church on Sunday was important to Del and he was a member of the Redlands United Methodist Church. Del also enjoyed the outdoors and loved watching and feeding backyard birds and tending to his little flower garden. He also collected coins and die-cast replica cars. Del is survived by one daughter, Shanna Davis; son-in-law, Bill; and his beloved little dog, Rosie. His parents; wife, Loda; sister, Anna Mae George and brother, Charles Morrison preceeded him in death. A memorial service to honor Adelbert's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 26th at the Redlands United Methodist Church. Martin Mortuary is in charge of services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Redlands Lions Club, the Lions Rocky Mountain Eye Bank or Redlands United Methodist Church. Adelbert will be deeply missed by his daughter, son-in-law, beloved dog, Rosie and all of his friends and neighbors. Bye Dad, Love you!