Donald E. Morford

Donald E. Morford, 92, of Houston, died Saturday, October 8, 2016 in the Presbyterian Senior Care, Washington.

He was born March 25, 1924 in Livermore, a son of George H. and Margaret Pearl Shields  Morford.

Mr. Morford enlisted into the Navy Reserves in 1942.   Through the Navy, he received Naval training at Bloomsburg State College of Pennsylvania, Midshipman School at Northwestern University and following his commission as an Ensign he went to Harvard University for communications training.   Following his communications training, he was stationed in Philadelphia, San Francisco and finally New Caledonia in the South Pacific.  In New Caledonia, he served as Communications Officer on General Halsey’s staff until 1945 and then under Admiral Nimitz until his release from active duty in 1946.

He was a 1942 graduate of Greensburg High School.  In 1948 he completed his BS Degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and received his Masters in Education from the University of Pittsburgh in 1952.

Mr. Morford taught in the High School Business Education Department for the Chartiers-Houston School District, retiring in 1986, after 38 years of employment.

He was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Houston where he served as an Elder for many years.

Mr. Morford was a member of the Washington County Chapter and State Association of Pennsylvania School Retirees, where he served as treasurer for many years, American Legion Post #902 in Houston, Chartiers Lodge #297 F & AM, Canonsburg, Consistory Scottish Rite, Valley of Pittsburgh and Syria Shrine

On December 27, 1952, he married Elizabeth “Betty” Finley who passed away March 26, 2005.

Surviving are many nieces and nephews.

Deceased in addition to his wife and parents are a sister, Margaret Jacoby; and two brothers, Glenn S. Morford and George K. Morford.

He also leaves behind his beloved cat Morris.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 Tuesday, in the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, Owner/Supervisor, 27 Cherry Ave., Houston, PA 15342.  Additional visitation will be from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2016 in the First United Presbyterian Church of Houston, 102 North Main St., Houston, PA 15342 where services will begin at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Emily Miller officiating.  Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church of Houston.  

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