Merwyn Morlan

MERWYN EUGENE (GENE) MORLAN, age 92, died, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, Fairfax, VA. Gene was born on October 25, 1917 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of the late Merwyn and Eugenia Collins Morlan. He was married for more than 67 years to his beloved wife, Betty James Morlan, who preceded him in death in December 2007. Gene was a graduate of Indiana State University with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education, and both his Masters and Doctorate Degrees from George Peabody College in Nashville, TN. He was a World War II veteran and served in the Pacific with the U.S. Army. Gene spent all his life as a music educator; in his early adult years he was Superintendent of Music in Shenandoah County; he worked for 30 years as Director of Professional Programs with Music Educators National Conference; he was the founder of, and director for 20 years of the Mormon Choir of Washington, DC; he was an active member of the McLean 1st Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in McLean, VA; and in his late 80's to most recent, he played his saxophone for the residents at some of the local nursing homes, and said "it was the most rewarding thing I have ever done." He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his children, Ann Bayba of McLean, VA; Steven Morlan of Woodstock, VA; Mary Howell of Union Grove, NC; John Morlan of Birmingham, Al: Beth Schill of Salt Lake City, UT; and Michelle St.Clair of Charlotte, NC; 12 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews also survive him. His son, Richard Morlan of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, preceded him in death. Visitation will take place from 6-8 PM on Monday, September 13 at, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2034 Great Falls St., Falls Church, VA. The service to celebrate the life of Gene Morlan will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, September 14 at the same location, with the graveside service following at 3:45 PM at Massanutten Cemetery, located behind Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, VA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Mormon Choir of Washington, DC, c/o Bob Smith, 2111 Westmoreland St. Falls Church, VA 22043 or the LDS Perpetual Education Fund, c/o Bishop David Higbee, 1801 Melbourne Dr. McLean, VA 22101. Condolences may be sent to www.piercefh.com.

Merwyn Morlan

October 25, 1917 - September 8, 2010