Obituary of Robert Morrell

Robert Morrell, Jr., age 91, died peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2015, at home in Walnut Creek, California, due to pneumonia. He leaves his wife of almost 62 years, Guadalupe (Lupe) Morrell; his brother Richard Morrell; his daughter Lucia Benson and son-in-law Michael Benson; his son Art Morrell and daughter-in-law Maria Morrell; his son Gilbert Morrell and daughter-in-law Trina Morrell; 13 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. Bob was born in Phoenix, Arizona on December 5, 1923, the son of Robert Morrell, Sr. and Clotilde Sarrazin, and the brother of Elisa (Elsie), Ernest, Edward, and Richard. In 1943 he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He attained the rank of sergeant at the 2004th AAF Base Unit, proudly serving his country during World War II as a flight engineer and AP Mechanic Gunner. During his military service from 1943 to 1946, he received the American Theatre Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal World War II. In civilian life, Bob became a lathe operator for North American Aviation in Los Angeles, CA. He later studied at Los Angeles Trade Technical College to become a vending machine mechanic. He worked for Seeburg and later Royal Vending. He married his wife, Lupe, on September 27, 1953. His first daughter, tragically died shortly after birth. Bob and Lupe went on to have three other children who now live in Walnut Creek, Temple City (L.A. County), and Texas. Bob was a faithful Catholic and an honored member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Francis Church, Concord; California City Council 6705, and Los Angeles Council 621, where he was Grand Knight. Bob was involved in many humanitarian efforts, including making hundreds of rosaries by hand for soldiers in Afghanistan. Bob also had a heart for those in poverty. Several times, he loaded up his truck with hospital equipment, clothing, and shoes and drove down to help the poor in Mexico. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Bob to Hospice of the East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, (925) 887-5678. Memorial services will include a Vigil/Rosary on Thursday, 10/1/15, 6:00-8:00 pm, St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut, Creek, CA 94598; funeral Mass at 10:30 am, St. John Vianney Catholic Church; Military Funeral Honors and Burial at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Friday, 10/2/15, 2:00 pm, 5810 Midway Rd., Dixon, CA 95620.