Eight Bells: Kenneth L. Morrison

COL (Ret) Kenneth L Morrison

COL (Ret) Kenneth L Morrison, 90, passed away June 18, 2023. Ken was born on December 22, 1932 in Phoenix, AZ to Richard H Morrison and Ernestlee (Rainville) Morrison.

Ken graduated from San Rafael Military Academy in San Rafael, CA in June 1950. He attended the University of California in Berkeley from 1950 to 1952. He received a Bachelor of General Studies degree from the University of Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska in 1967 following his graduation from the US Army Command & General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, KS in 1966.

He received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg State University, Shippensburg, PA in 1976 following his graduation from the Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, PA in 1976.

Ken retired as an Army Colonel in 1979 after serving for 28 years. He served in the Korean War as enlisted man in the 2nd Infantry Division and was awarded the Bronze Star medal for meritorious service. Following his tour in Korea he attended the Field Artillery Officer Candidate School where he was awarded the title of Honor Graduate. Following his commissioning in the Field Artillery, he served in FA units at Fort Ord and overseas in Germany where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.

In 1963 he graduated from the Field Artillery Officers Career course where he was again designated Honor Graduate of his class. In 1963 he returned to OCS as a tactical battery commander earning a second Army Commendation Medal. In 1964 he was assigned to the Military Assistance Command Vietnam as a Battalion Advisor to the 42nd Civil Guard Battalion in Quang Ngai Province where he served in an Infantry role.

During his service in Vietnam he was awarded two Bronze Star medals for Valor and for meritorious service, the Air Medal and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Following his Vietnam tour he attended the Army Command & General Staff College and was subsequently assigned to the Pentagon where he served in the Enlisted Personnel Directorate and later in Personnel Services Division of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel where he earned his 3rd Army Commendation Medal and his first Meritorious Service Medal.

In 1970 he was assigned to the 7th Infantry Division Artillery in Korea where he commanded the 6th Battalion, 80th Field Artillery. In 1971 the 7th Infantry Division was deactivated and he was reassigned as the Commander of the 7th Battalion, 17th Field Artillery in the 2nd Infantry Division where he was awarded his second Meritorious Service Medal. Following his service as a Battalion Commander he was assigned to Headquarters US Army Pacific where he served as Chief of the Non-appropriated Funds Branch of the Personnel Services Division in DCSPER. In 1974 he was reassigned as Executive Officer, Field Artillery Branch, Officer Personnel Directorate of the Military Personnel Center in Washington.

Ken was selected for attendance at the Army War College where he graduated in 1976. While there he also earned a Master of Science degree from Shippensburg State University. Following his graduation from the Army War College he was assigned to Headquarters Pacific Command in Hawaii where he retired as the Chief of Personnel Services Division, J-1 on 31 October 1979.

Following his military service, he became involved in the sport of sailboat racing in Hawaii where he was Commodore of the Waikiki Yacht Club, Executive Director of the Royal Hawaiian Ocean Racing Club and Commodore and Executive Secretary of the Hawaii Yacht Racing Association.

Ken was Race Director for the Clipper Cup/Kenwood Cup Hawaii Offshore Series from 1978 through 2000 and served on the Board of Directors of US Sailing and on numerous committees from 1983 through 2006. He was a National Judge, National Race Officer and National Umpire for US Sailing.

He was an International Judge, International Race Officer and International Umpire for the International Sailing Federation from 1986 to present. He moved to The Villages, Florida from Honolulu, HI in 2004. He continued his efforts as a National and International Judge until 2020 when he moved to Harleton, Texas with his daughter and son-in-law.

Ken was predeceased by his father Richard H. Morrison and mother Ernestlee Rainville Dickerson and by his loving wife of 61 years, Bernice Easton (Bonnie) Morrison. He is survived by one daughter, Kimberley Morrison DisPennett (husband Robert) of Harleton, Texas; one step-daughter Sandra Drummond of Lockeford, California; three grandchildren Joshua DisPennett, Aimee DisPennett Clark and Jonathan Drummond; and ten great-grandchildren.

He enjoyed his family, golf and sailing.

Source: Tribute Archive