Kenneth Franklin Morse

Manchester, NH - Kenneth F. Morse, 93, a lifelong local resident of Manchester and Goffstown died peacefully Thursday morning March 20, 2025, at the Murphy Rehabilitation and Nursing Home following a period of failing health while visiting family.

He was born in Manchester, NH January 9, 1932, the son of the late Milton Kenneth “POP” Morse and Annie E. (Charter) Morse. He attended local schools and was a Class Officer of the West High School Class of 1950. He was the Retired Director of the Manchester Cemetery Department for the City of Manchester.

Dedicated to his wife and family, Ken never faltered in instilling strong values and behaviors in his 4 boys. He was a frequent participant, promoter and had attended hundreds of their varied activities and pursuits diligently following their career paths throughout their lives and those of his cherished grandchildren. He taught his sons to read and play music and supported their bands traveling to their many performances. He had studied classical piano, and played the accordion, organ, clarinet, saxophone and bagpipes.

A proud veteran, he retired after 30 years of service in the United States Navy and Reserves as a Master Chief Petty Officer. He was a former Commanding Officer and LCDR of the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC)- Harlan R. Dickson Division of Manchester; Member of the American Legion-Sweeney Post #2 of Manchester; Former Scoutmaster of BSA Troop 133 of Manchester; Former President of (CHAMPS) Central High Association of Music Parents; and an avid Ballroom Dancer along with his wife Shirley.

He was pre-deceased by his wife Shirley A. (Smith) Morse in 2011 and a grandson Rory K. Morse in 2023.

Survivors include 4 sons: Kenneth R. Morse (and wife Barbara) of North Kingstown, RI; Kevin R. Morse (and wife Melanie) of Green Cove Springs, FL; Keith R. Morse (and wife Sharry) of Manchester, NH; and Kris R. Morse (and wife Kimberly) of Murphy, NC.; a brother-in-law, Larry M. Smith; 7 Grandchildren; 8 Great Grandchildren; and other dear family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post #96 Murphy, American Legion Post 532 Hayesville, VFW Post 6812, Hayesville, NC and the Marine Corp League Marble, NC.

The Townson-Rose Funeral Home of Murphy, NC assisted with the arrangements.