Keith Morley

Our own Michigan Man, Frederic Keith Morley, made his final trip, taking the back roads to his heavenly home on Friday, March 22, 2024. Born Sept. 6, 1930 to Frederic B. Morley and Agnes M. Keck Morley in Lansing, Keith was the oldest of 4 children with brothers, Jack & Bob and sister Karla. He spent summers in Wolverine, MI with his grandpa Charles Keck and aunts & uncles, loving the MI North country with hunting, fishing, learning the outdoors, and helping on the farm. Keith was a teenager during WWII while his uncles fought overseas, sparking a great interest in history and his country. After graduating from Lansing Sexton High School 1948, he served stateside in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Keith's marriage to Elizabeth Jeanne Shulick on January 20, 1951 of 70 years can continue in heaven as she died in 2021.
He worked for MI Bell Telephone as a linesman and then in management, taking night classes for professional development. He enjoyed living near family & many in-laws. They helped him build a house with big bedrooms and he and Betty filled them with eight children. A member of Holy Cross and St. Gerard Catholic Church, they started the children off in the Catholic schools, passing the great importance of a good education and an example that learning in life never ends. His work moved the family to Saginaw, MI where the family lived from 1970 to 1983, and belonged to St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Retirement saw them move back to Lansing. He was always active in children's school and sporting events, the school's sports boosters, member of MI Bell Pioneers, Audio Books for the Blind and a Library Volunteer. A lifetime lover of sports, he was very proud of his boys' college scholarships, Mike's Pro Baseball contract, and all the achievements of his grandchildren. He was their Biggest Fan, traveling across the state- always celebrating each one. His hand is felt in the legacy of education as his grandchildren number Physicians, Engineers, a West Point graduate in service overseas, Sports Management, Therapists, Teachers, Buiding-Contractors, Chefs, Business, Crime Scene Forensics, Computers, Caretakers, Writers and more! Keith was Interested in everything but his favorites were Reading, Cribbage, Euchre, Jeopardy, Bowling, Golf, The Wall Street Journal and its Crosswords, Genealogy, Detroit Tigers, Hunting/ Fishing and any person he happened to join in conversation. He was our back roads traveler, morel picking and wildlife expert, in the state we love. Our e mail accounts are suddenly very empty. His family was blessed to provide his care, for all but his last 3 weeks, in his own home enjoying all of his daughters home cooking, his favorite molasses cookies, popcorn, guitar music, and a homemade pie every week. As well as his own best medical advocate and caregiver, daughter Michelle. Thanks to Sparrow hospice caregivers, especially nurse Mandi, and the caregivers and doctors at Hospice of Lansing's-Stoneleigh Residence.
Keith was preceded in death by his wife Betty, daughter, Susan E. Mitchell, Son, Frederic K Morley II, brother Jack Morley and wife Nancy, brother Robert Morley.
He is survived by his children: Michelle (David) Barker, Sharon (Raymond) Wohlfeil, Michael (Val) Morley, Barbara (Judge Raymond) Voet, Anne Hooper, all of MI and Mary Morley, CO; Daughter-In-Law: Cindy Morley, Son-in-Law Allan Mitchell, TN; 22 Grandchildren: Andy (Sally), Jason, Amy (Kimber), Scott (Kimberly), Brian, Lisa (Jason), Aaron,(Sarah) Luke,(Katie), Dr. Morlee (Adam), Holly, (Dean), Austin, Beth (Keegan), Mitch, Lizzie, Ken (Karaghen), Joe (Samara), Mary, Dr Megan (Garrett),Tyler, Alison, Stephen, and Matthew; 24 great grand children; 3 great-great grandchildren; Sister Karla Reilly, Sister-In-law: Mary Beth DiSante, Mary Ann Shulick, and many nieces, nephews, and loving friends
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Gerard Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday at the Palmer, Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Delta Chapel from 4:00-7:00 PM with the Rosary to be prayed at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue Thursday at church at 9:30 AM. Memorials may be made to the St Vincent DePaul Society at St Gerard or The Kennedy's Disease Association.