Frank Larry Morse

Frank Larry Morse, 64, passed away Thursday, December 2, 2021, surrounded by his immediate family. A celebration of life service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, December 10, 2021 at LifeMission Church in Olathe, KS.

Born on July 20, 1957, in Rapid City, SD, Frank was the fourth child of Edwin Lorenzo and Luvonne Rae (Christy) Morse. Through a tumultuous childhood, Frank fostered close and loving relationships with his eight siblings, deep connections he felt and fostered until the end of his life. Raised among the Black Hills, Frank developed a passionate love for the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He was always happiest outside, especially on his many trips back home to South Dakota.

Frank graduated from Central High School in 1975, and from Bethany Nazarene College in 1981. By then, his family had relocated to Kansas. Frank pursued some post-graduate education in Kansas while working as a school janitor. In 1986, Frank met Charity Lea Cobb through the matchmaking skills of his sister Ruth. Almost a year to the day later, Frank and Charity married on October 24, 1987, in Olathe, KS. They spent a wonderful 34 years together, raising his “precious girls,” Stephanie and Teresa, in Gardner. The joy of his life was his family, and nothing made him happier than to spend time with them.

Frank held a deep Christian faith, and truly was a force of Jesus’s love on this earth. He modeled forgiveness, steadfastness, constancy in prayer, and unconditional love for all those he knew. Frank supported many ministries and charitable organizations, but his true ministry came from his generosity to those in his life. Gifts of time, money, and labor were given freely and without question whenever the need arose. It was a pleasure for Frank to share what he had with those in need.

As in every area of his life, people came first in his career as a deputy sheriff with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, and in his post-retirement job transporting cars for Enterprise. The friendships he enjoyed with his coworkers were of far more importance to him than the jobs themselves.

Frank enjoyed many activities through the years, including church league softball, Texas Hold-Em poker, morel mushroom hunting, and his particular combination of cheering and lamenting his favorite sports teams. He loved to travel with his family, especially if the destination was not too hot. There was never enough snow in Kansas for Frank, and never enough opportunities to hunt or fish.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Luvonne, eldest sister Caryn, and nephew Marc. He is survived by his wife, Charity, daughters Stephanie and Teresa, son-in-law Bryce, and grandson Jasper. Other survivors include siblings Ruth, Ed, David, Kristy, Mark, Joy, and Scott, their spouses, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Oasis of Hollywood or the Wounded Warrior Project and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 666044

If you’d like to remember Frank this Christmas season, string up some of his favorite blue lights.