RUMFORD — William S. “Bill” Morse Sr., 88, died Monday, March 19, at the Rumford Community Home. He was a resident of Fourth Street in Mexico.

He was born in Gorham, N.H., Dec. 24, 1923, a son of William and Edith (McPherson) Morse and his stepfather, Melvin “Bunny” King. He attended schools in Gorham, N.H.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a member of Robert Shand Post 1641 VFW. He worked as a beater engineer for Boise Cascade Paper Mill in Rumford until his retirement.

William was an avid Red Sox fan; he was a member of the Good Sam Club and enjoyed camping with Fireside Friends; he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attended their events; vacationing in Florida; he enjoyed music and played the guitar and trumpet. He was married on Feb. 14, 1946, to Dorothy Lloyd, who survives of Mexico.

Other survivors include a son, William Jr. and his wife, Mary Ann, of Rumford; two daughters, Donna Hanson and her companion, Norman, of Dixfield and Cindy Archibald and her husband, Alan, of Mexico; three sisters, Ferne Fogg of Lewiston, Mildred Farnsworth of Portland and Maggie McKinney of South Paris; he was affectionately known as “Papa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Troy Hanson and his companion, Wendy, and their daughter, Jordan of Hollis; Greg Morse and his wife, Peggy, and their children, Tyler and Katie of Dixfield; Melissa Morse and her children, Brittany and Amber of Saco; Heather Gray and her husband, Casey, and their children, Cameron, Bode and Marlee of Dixfield; Brandon Archibald of Portland; Justin Archibald and his companion, Lori, of Mexico and Brett Archibald of Bangor.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Gerald and Robert; and a son-in-law, Jim Hanson.

The family would like to send a special thank-you to the staff at the Rumford Community Home for their care of Bill over the last few months.

Friends and relatives are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at www.meaderandson.com.

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