David Arthur Morse

On July 27th, David Arthur Morse, 80, of Ashland, Kentucky, passed away. He was born September 20th, 1941 in Ashland, Kentucky to the late Arthur and Myrtle Morse. He graduated from Ashland High School in 1959, Morehead State University in 1969, and completed graduate work at West Virginia University. He instilled this neverending strive for knowledge in his entire family; there is always something new to learn and work towards, and David endeavored to create invaluable experiences with his loved ones. An avid traveler, he brought his family to 18 different countries, and on those travels we learned the value of the world. 
Oak Island, North Carolina was especially meaningful to David. There he purchased a second home where the Morse family has since created infinite precious memories. Walks on the beach became an integral part of family vacations, and David often lagged behind collecting trash along the way. With his gentle soul and vast wisdom, he cherished and protected the spaces around him and held an immeasurable appreciation even for the small and mundane. 
Visitors at David’s house would often be gifted with a succulent he propagated himself in a repurposed yogurt cup or an extra bottle of laundry detergent from the latest buy-one-get-one sale. You would be amazed by his different collections: some a novelty, like vintage pins, playing cards, or old records, and some harder to understand, like bars of soap used down to a chip. This was, however, indicative of the person David was -- nothing went to waste. Everything was something to be gathered, protected, and utilized. Some may call these hoarding tendencies, but we can all agree David saw value in everything.
David was a traveler, a collector, an environmentalist and an avid couponer, but he was also something intangible; even at his most ill, when asked how he was, he would respond, “Perfect!”. His clever wit and endless optimism gave him a subtle sense of humor he held onto his entire life.
Although there may not be enough words to fully describe David, his life, his legacy, and the memories he leaves behind will not go to waste. Every time someone who knew him sees a nub of a pencil sharpened to the eraser or a loose popsicle stick on the ground, we will always think of David. He will forever be with us as we now also find value in the minute details often overlooked.   
He spent his last moments at the Community Hospice Care Center with his beloved family: his wife, Josie Large Morse, with whom he just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary; children, Martin David Morse (Tonda Helms) and Samantha Jo (Daniel) Robinette; and siblings, Wesley Randal (Sharon) Strait and Linda Cheryl (Richard) Cahal. He is preceded in death by his brother, William Kenneth (Mary Lou) Strait. He is survived by his four grandchildren: Delancey Jo Morse, Fenner Martin Morse (Haley Maynard), Sophie Josephine Pierzala, and John Silas Pierzala; and three great-grandchildren: Valen Xile, Wynona Joelle Morse, and Ruby Esther Morse. He will be sorely missed by all.
The family will hold a private celebration of David’s life. To honor him, please make a donation to Heifer International or St. Jude Hospital, or simply pick up litter as you take a walk in your favorite place.
To share a memory of David or to extend a condolence to his family, please visit: steenfuneralhome.com.   

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.