Willard Lee Morley, age 86, passed away Monday evening, April 29, 2019, at his home in Gladstone, surrounded by his loving family.
Willard was born October 10, 1932, in Arbela Township, Vassar, MI, the son of Archie and Ida (Honold) Morley. Willard was a 1951 graduate of Millington High School. Following high school, Willard attended Port Huron Business College and Delta College where he received his certification in water treatment. He was employed at Hubinger Lumber Company, U.S. Postal Service and the City of Frankenmuth, MI.
On May 8, 1954, Willard was united in marriage to the former Genevieve Lentz. In 1970, Willard and Genevieve moved to Gladstone where they made their home, raised their family and have resided since. Willard was employed as the first Superintendent of Water and later the Superintendent of Wastewater and DPW for the City of Gladstone. He retired in 1990.
Willard was a member of the American Water Works Association and received the Raymond J. Faust Award. Additionally, He was a member of the National Water Pollution Control Federation and received the Donald M. Peirce Award. Willard also received the Vocational Education Recognition Award from the Michigan State Advising Council. He was active in Boy Scouts, Rotary and a long- standing member of the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone.
In addition to his loving wife Genevieve, Willard is survived by:
Sons: Randy (Mary) Morley of Reese, MI
Gary (Marty) Morley of Centerville, OH
Daughter: Lori Sharon of Gladstone, MI
Grandchildren: Justin Morley, Kenton Morley
and Calvin (Kelsey) Morley
Erin (Ethan) Harris and Casey (Ben) Luong
Sam Morley and Madelyn Morley
Nicole Sharon, Christine (Jared) Gosse and
Hannah Sharon and Willard’s three Great
Grandchildren
Daughter in law: Betsy Morley of Traverse City, MI
Sister in law: Marion Morley of Cadillac, MI
Brother in law: LeRoy Schluckebier of Frankenmuth, MI
Also surviving are Willard’s nieces, nephews and cousins.
Willard was preceded in death by his parents, Archie L. and Ida:
Son: Daniel Morley
Brother: Archie Morley Jr.
Sisters: Violet Cole and Virginia Schluckebier
Brother in law: Mervin Cole
Visiting hours for Willard will be held on Thursday, from 4:00PM to 7:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. In conclusion of visitation on Thursday, closing prayers will be offered at 7:00PM. Visitation will resume on Friday, from 10:00AM to 11:00AM, at First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Funeral services to celebrate the life of Willard Morley will follow, at 11:00AM, at First Lutheran Church in Gladstone, with Tom Otis, Pastor officiating. Luncheon will follow in the First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Willard will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery following luncheon. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be offered to the First Lutheran Church.
Deborah Barnett (Zink) - Lapeer, MI
Uncle Willard is fondly remembered for his quick wit. Prayers and hugs for his family.
Norma Porrett - FT Gratiot, Mi
WIllard was a special member of the Lentz family, he will be missed.
Barb Lalonde - Mount Hope, On
It was a pleasure to have known you when we were in Oak Park. You will be missed by Gen and your family and fondly remembered by Larry and I.