Francis J. 'Chummy' Morrison

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Francis J. "Chummy" Morrison, 88, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, Feb. 23, 2014, at his home.

He was born on Oct. 17, 1925, in Tula, the son of Henry and Esther (Hicks) Morrison.

Chummy proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He was a huge Green Bay Packers and Detroit Tigers fan and a big fan of NASCAR racing and boxing. Chummy loved to sit around the fire pit during the summer and enjoyed a nice summer evening.

Chummy was more than our father, he was our best friend.

Chummy is survived by four children, Nancy J., Memphis, Tenn., Timothy W., Ironwood, and Paul F. and Tina M., both of Wakefield; three grandchildren, Jennifer and Christi, both of Wichita, Kan., and Payton, Wakefield; a brother, Dewey, Wakefield; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, including a very special niece, Sandy Morrison, Wakefield; and neighbors, Betty and Dave.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 52 years, Verna I., on July 2, 2004; a brother and two sisters-in-law, Clarence and Ethel and Alice Morrison; five sisters and four brothers-in-law, Dorothy, in infancy, Audrey and Stan Mazur, Irene and Ed Urbanski, Lorraine and Arvid Johnson and Katherine "Kate" and Arnie Pellonen; and two brothers-in-law, Webb and William Kinnunen.

Funeral services and interment will be held at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, in the spring.

The Lakeside Memorial Chapel is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at lakesidememorialchapel.com.