John E. Morford

John Edward Morford passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital surrounded by his wife, Marjorie, and sister-in-law, he was 73 years old. John was born September 19, 1950, in Corvallis, Oregon. He was raised on a 9-acre farm west of Philomath, Oregon and graduated from Philomath High School in 1968. Growing up, John joined the Cub Scouts, including the Webelos Program, from there he became a Boy Scout and became a Second Class Scout and a patrol leader for summer camp. He was troop bugler and played trumpet in the school band. John was a member of the United Methodist Church in Philomath and was active in the teen and adult choir. In 1970, John joined the U.S. Air Force and made a 20-year career as Weapons Mechanic. He loaded bombs on the jets; F4 Phantom, F106 Delta Dart, F15 Strike Eagle, F16 T33 Trainer and B52 Bombers. He was stationed throughout the country during his time in the service, including Thailand from 1971 to 1972 and West Germany from 1977 to 1979. John received several awards while in the military. John retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1990. On November 27, 1970, John married the love of his life, Marjorie Ann Neuman (the girl next door). In 1973, John joined the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Corvallis, Oregon. After retirement from the Military, John became an Usher of the Parrish until the day he died. He was a loving husband and father and he loved his grandchildren. He liked to go hunting, fishing and crabbing with his family and brothers-in-laws. His hobbies were working on cars, working with wood and other crafts. He worked at Shucks Auto Parts in Corvallis, Albany and Salem from 1990 to 1992, then went to work at the James River Paper Mill (Georgia-Pacific) in Halsey from 1992 until he retired in 2013. John volunteered and was a member of many organizations, Philomath school classroom aid, American Legion, Color Guard, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Air Force Sgt. Assoc, AMVETS, the Corvallis Knights of Columbus both 3rd and 4th Degrees, and Interfaith, where he was building ramps to help the disabled. As a member of these organizations, John held many positions and did funeral services for his many comrades who were also in the military. He also assisted with the funerals for the Knights of Columbus members. He will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Morford. He is survived by three sons and a daughter, Douglas Morford, Michael Morford, Bruce Morford (Michelle), and Sherry Conn. He is survived by his siblings, Anna Morford, David Morford (Ruth), Betty Morford, Don Morford (Dixie). He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Oren Morford and Esther Morford and by his brother Tom Morford. Arrangements are being made by McHenry’s Funeral Home. A viewing will be at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 23, with a Rosary service to follow at 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be Wednesday, January 24, at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Corvallis, Oregon, with a reception to follow graveside services in the Upper Social Hall at St. Mary’s. Graveside services will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery on Whiteside Drive in Corvallis, Oregon. Donations can be made to the Corvallis Knights of Columbus.

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John E. Morford

September 19, 1950 - January 11, 2024