Morris CripeMorris Cripe
Morris D. Cripe, 89, of Browning died at 10:45 p.m. Oct. 19, 2008, at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville.
He was born Sept. 30, 1919, in Browning, a son of Oliver J. and Alma M. Miller Cripe. He married Irene E. Vogler on Dec. 15, 1944, in Schuyler County. She died July 12, 1988.
He also was preceded in death by one infant son, Richard Lee; and one brother, Robert.
Surviving are two daughters, Donna (and Les) Davis and Carol Beekman, both of Astoria; two brothers, Wilmer Cripe and Hubert (and Louisa) Cripe, both of Astoria; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren.
He was in the U.S. Army Air Force, World War II, serving as a 1st Lt. in the 238th OTU Co. in Roswell, N.M., where he trained pilots for combat.
Prior to entering the service, he drove a Standard Oil truck in Astoria. After his discharge from the service in 1945, he farmed on the family farm for 60 years.
In the off season, he helped with handy-man work and electrical problems for friends and neighbors.
He spent the last four years of his life at Culbertson Memorial Hospital Long Term Care.
He was a member of Astoria Church of the Brethren where he served as deacon emeritus. He taught Sunday school for many years and served on numerous boards and committees. He was a member of Astoria Legion Post #25.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Grace Bible Church in Astoria with Pastor Gary Schultz officiating. Burial will be in Mud Valley Cemetery in Browning with military rites provided by Astoria American Legion Post #25. Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Grace Bible Church, Mud Valley Church or Culbertson Memorial Hospital Long Term Care.