Morris Clarence Mahlmann

Morris Clarence Mahlmann January 13, 1926 - April 18, 2013 Morris Clarence Mahlmann, age 87, of Bakersfield, California, died April 18, 2013 at Rosewood Senior Center after courageously fighting Valley Fever and subsequent complications. Born January 13, 1926, in Deanville, Texas, he was the son of the late William J. Mahlmann and Annie A. Mahlmann. Morris was raised in Caldwell, TX and graduated from Caldwell High School in 1943. Morris met the love of his life, Shirley, at a USO dance in Stockton. They married shortly thereafter in 1945, and lived in Woodland during his college years at UC Davis and University of California at Berkeley. After graduation, he landed a job with Producers Cotton Oil Company and moved to Fresno and then Hanford. In 1968, the family moved to Bakersfield when Morris took a job with Kern County Land Company which merged with Tenneco West. Morris worked in agricultural business management for over 35 years. Very proud of his country and military service, he served in the Army Air Corp during World War II (1943-1946) as an airplane instrument instructor and participated in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign. The American flag has flown at his home since 9/11. Also very community-minded, he volunteered as a board member with the City of Bakersfield Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control and Kings County Water District. Morris was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bakersfield and served as a deacon in the Presbyterian Church while in Hanford. He enjoyed dancing, reading, golfing and playing bridge. Family was his passion. He loved visiting with his grandchildren and teaching them about agriculture and life lessons learned. He never missed an opportunity to attend and applaud the sporting and other events for his children and grandchildren. He also was an active member of the local Seniors In Retirement (SIRS) group, Clipper Club and numerous bridge groups. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 amazing years, Shirley Mae Piper Mahlmann; along with four children and their spouses: Richard and Susan Mahlmann of Pasadena, California, Bruce and Carol Mahlmann of Fresno, California, Scott and Beatrice Mahlmann and Nancy and Mike Olcott of Bakersfield, California; 8 grandchildren; Mary Kathryn Mahlmann, Andrew Mahlmann, Sean (Vanessa) Mahlmann, Laurie (Johnny) Clerou, Steven Mahlmann, Lauren Olcott, Alex Olcott and Katie Olcott; 3 great-grandchildren, Jade and Isis Mahlmann and Connor Clerou; two brothers, Gordon (Molly) Mahlmann of Granite Bay, CA and Albert Dee (Beverly) Mahlmann of Sierra Vista, AZ; brother-in-law, Dr. Herb (Gertie) Piper of Fresno, CA; and many other loving nieces and nephews, relatives, friends and neighbors. Morris was preceded in death by his brother John William and brother-in-law Nelson Piper. The family would like to thank the wonderful care given to Morris by Dr. Howard Nizar, Dr. Bryon Mui, Dr. Brijesh Bhambi, the nursing staff at Memorial 4 East, 4West and ICU, Rosewood Senior Center and all of Morris and Shirley's friends and neighbors who have been so kind and helpful. Funeral services for Morris Mahlmann will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 11a.m. at the Hillcrest Memorial Park Chapel, 9101 Kern Canyon Road Bakersfield, CA with a military graveside service immediately following. Should family and friends wish, contributions in memory of Morris may be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org www.bakersfield.com/obits