Jon Warren Morrow

Jon Warren Morrow, 77, died at home in Mission Viejo on Thursday, September 28, 2023 with his beloved wife of nearly 55 years by his side. Jon is survived by his wife Cindy, son Greg Morrow (Jennifer), daughter Kelly Morrow Kern (RJ), brother Richard Boyd Morrow II, and six grandchildren: Gavin, TJ, Haley, Kennedy, Kaitlyn, and Paxton. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Betty Morrow. Jon was unexpectedly diagnosed with Glioblastoma Stage 4 brain cancer in November 2022. Jon valiantly fought this terrible disease for 10 months with his wife and family lovingly caring for him in his home.

Jon was born on January 26, 1946, in Harrisburg, PA where he grew up spending summers at the family’s lake cabin. After graduating from John Harris High School, Jon went to college at Iowa State University to study aerospace engineering in the ROTC program. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1968. After bootcamp, Jon was accepted into the officer candidate school and began pilot training thereafter.

Jon’s honorable 23-year career as a fighter jet pilot initially in the F-4 Phantom and then the F-18 Hornet included several deployments overseas, rank promotions and commanding officer (CO) roles. Notably, Jon was the CO of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 (MALS-11 Devilfish) and the CO of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 (VMFA-101 Sharpshooters) before his retirement from active duty as a Lieutenant Colonel in April 1991. He completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Maryland University College and earned an MBA from Webster University. After retirement from active duty, Jon worked as an F-18 pilot training instructor at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station and then at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar before his full retirement in 2020 at the age of 74. Jon loved his career and truly embodied the phrase, “If you love what you do, it’s not work.”

Outside of his fantastic career Jon’s favorite role was that of family man. After meeting at school in Iowa, Jon and Cindy married in Mason City, IA in November 1968. They lived in 10 states before settling in Mission Viejo in 1986. Jon was promoted to a new title in 2003 with the birth of his first grandchild and loved being “Papa” to his six grandchildren. He was always available to hold a baby, fix or MacGyver something around the house and show up to support everyone in their activities like soccer, choir, theater, volleyball, art shows, etc.

Most of all, Jon loved to host family for swimming, nachos, watermelon, and whatever fabulous recipe he and Cindy had perfected, like cherry cola ribs, carnitas, ginger glazed salmon or lasagna. He was a devoted husband and father who took pride in his loyalty to and care of his family and dog Kona. Jon and Kona’s daily park walks were quite well known as it is hard to be inconspicuous with a 140 lb big black dog that could be mistaken for a small California black bear. But fear not, Jon was always happy to answer questions and share Kona’s friendly demeanor. Jon will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, kind smile and family pride.

A celebration of life ceremony for Jon will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Fairhaven Memorial Services, 27856 Center Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92692.

A reception to follow at Greg & Jenn Morrow’s home in Ladera Ranch.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fairhavenmemorialservices.com for the Morrow family.