Submitted by: Dan Rich
Robert Paul Morin
May 18, 1926 - Dec. 15, 2002
South Bend Tribune 12/17/2002
Robert Paul Morin, 76, passed
peacefully after a lengthy illness on Sunday, Dec. 15, at home in
Mishawaka, Ind. His loving wife, Velma P. Morin, and children
were at his side. Mr. Morin was a beloved husband, father,
grandfather and great-grandfather who will be missed and
remembered for his dedication to family and zest for life. He was
born May 18, 1926, in Red Ridge, Mich., in the Upper Peninsula to
George and Lulie Morin, both of whom preceded him in death. He
moved with his family to Mishawaka in the midst of the Great
Depression. He was educated in the Mishawaka public school
system. A member of the greatest American generation, Mr. Morin
joined the United States Marines in 1943 at the age of 17. He
valiantly served in the 2nd Marine Division in the Pacific
Theater during World War II, seeing action in Tinian, Saipan and
Okinawa, and was stationed in occupied Japan after the end of the
war until his honorable discharge in March 1946. He was a member
of VFW Post 360, and was a devoted supporter of the American way
of life.
After returning to Mishawaka after being
discharged from the service, he met his future wife, Velma Edwards,
while at the old Playland Park in South Bend, Ind. After a short
engagement they were married on Feb. 29, 1948, in Gospel Center
Church in River Park, South Bend. They were married for 54 years.
Mr. Morin was employed by Indiana & Michigan Electric
Company, later American Electric Power. He retired in 1987 after
42 years of dedicated service with the company where he worked as
a trouble-shooter electrician in the greater South Bend area. All
who knew him considered Robert to be a generous man who would go
out of his way to assist anyone in need, a quality that he
instilled in all his children. He was a great storyteller and
kept everyone around him entertained with stories of his life. He
will long be remembered for his love of football, car racing, and
constructing model airplanes.
His wife, two brothers, George Morin and
Larry Morin, both of Mishawaka, survive him. He is also survived
by his eight children, Sherri Cheney and husband David of
Osceola, Alaine Morin-Bryan and husband Michael of
Osceola, Robert Morin II of Mishawaka, Ronald Morin of Mishawaka,
Raymon Morin of South Bend, Randal Morin and wife Debbie of
Mishawaka, Rodney Morin and wife Melissa of Mishawaka, and Roland
Morin of San Francisco, Calif. Robert was a dedicated and loving
grandfather to his 10 grandsons, JD Cheney and wife Dana, John
Cheney, Michah Bryan, Asher Morin, Ron Scot Morin, Randy Morin,
Richard Morin, Dale Closson, Matthew Morin and Doug Morin;
seven granddaughters, Aimee Clayton and husband Brian,
Arielle Morin, Tirzah Morin, Marci Morin, Katelin Morin, Tiffany
Morin and Stephanie Morin. He was also the proud
great-grandfather of Anthony Cheney, Cameron Cheney, Ethan
Clayton and Elisha Clayton. He could often be found attending
school functions, driving them to and from activities, and
spending time with his grandchildren.
Bubb Funeral Home in Mishawaka is handling
arrangements, with viewing from 3 to 7 p.m. today, Dec. 17, 2002.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18, with
interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka. The family
asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The American
Cancer Society.