Donald Peyton Morse

Born in Corpus Christi, Texas on December 25, 1934, Donald (Don) loved growing up in Corpus where he was active in the Cub Scouts and DeMolay (serving all local offices and one state office, attaining the rank of Chevalier, the highest honor that an Active DeMolay can receive.) Don graduated from Ray High School and Del Mar College before going on to the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. After graduating from Dental School in 1959, he joined the Air Force as a dentist where he served for 26 years, including a tour in Southeast Asia (Thailand), 2 tours in Germany as well as several US assignments. Don was awarded many medals and decorations, including Chief Dental Badge and the Legion of Merit. His last 13 years he served as Base Dental Surgeon/Dental Commander at various installations throughout the United States and overseas, including Ramstein AFB, the largest overseas military dental clinic.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1985, Don was hired as the Dental Health Coordinator for the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, where he worked diligently for the City directing dental services for children and adults at six locations in San Antonio. Don later became a Public Health Administrator overseeing not only Dental Health, but also Emergency Management and oversight of all Health Department Communicable Disease Programs, the Animal Care Services Division and the Occupational Health and Wellness Division. He was instrumental in integrating fluoride in City water, was the Medical Logistics Officer for the outdoor Papal visit in 1987 and worked with many programs such as Headstart and the American Red Cross. He received many honors in his lifetime including Fellow for Royal Society of Health, Fellow for Academy of General Dentistry, Fellow for Dentistry International, Fellow for American College of Dentists, Fellow for Texas Public Health Association and Parent/Child Incorporated Award for Headstart Professional Volunteer of the Year. Throughout his military and City public health careers, he drafted successful legislation, taught, served on countless committees, authored several published works and received many honors. Don took great pride in serving his country and his community.

An active member of the Beethoven Maennerchor since the summer of 1983, Don served on the Board of Directors for 13 years and held a number of different offices including Membership Chair, Secretary and Vice President. He was a fixture as the announcer and Master of Ceremonies at all Beethoven public garden functions and celebrations for 15 years. Don received his 25-year pin in 2008 and was voted an Honorary Member at the Annual Meeting in 2009. He enjoyed singing, volunteering and socialization in support of German culture, language, song and Gemuetlichkeit.

Spending time with family and friends was Dons greatest joy. His unique and sometimes surprising laugh made him easy to find in a crowd, where he would often be found telling stories with poetic skill and great humor. He was especially adored and loved by all his friends and family in Germany, where he could spend hours at a time laughing and conversing in German. His great love of travel and wonderful sense of adventure took him to all corners of the world. Don and Iris continued to explore many travel destinations in retirement.

Riding motorcycles, often across the county was one of his favorite past times. His adventures would take him often to Canada, Mexico (Three Flags), California, New Mexico, Big Bend, the Texas Hill Country and everywhere in between. The camaraderie he had with his buddies on these trips made memories for a lifetime.

He also never missed an opportunity to meet up with old friends for a reunion. Whether it be High School, College, Dental School, Air Force, City of San Antonio, Motorcycle groups or family, he loved catching up, sharing stories, making memories and laughing.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Clara Morse and is survived by his loving wife, Iris Morse, his son Eric Morse and wife Lisa, his daughter Lia Connors and husband Skip, granddaughters Isabella and Arianna Morse, and Zoe and Quinn Connors, step-daughters Jill Rittimann, Julie Ellis and husband Jeremy, Karen Kricka and husband Simon, step-grandchildren, Geoffrey Rittimann and wife Katie, Aidan and Arianna Ellis, Jaxson, Corbin, and Chloe Kricka; and beloved dog, Henri. Don considered all those listed above as the best in the world and a wonderful blessing to him, along with a long list of perfect other relatives and friends - many of whom have already entered heavenly rest, including the mother of his children, Suse Morse.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), the SPCA or any charity of your choice.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

12:30 PM

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

THURSDAY, APRIL, 28, 2022

2:15 PM

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY