Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

Robert Paul Morin

May 18, 1926 - Dec. 15, 2002

 

South Bend Tribune 12/17/2002

Robert Paul Morin, 76, passed peacefully after a lengthy illness on Sunday, Dec. 15, at home in Mishawaka, Ind. His loving wife, Velma P. Morin, and children were at his side. Mr. Morin was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be missed and remembered for his dedication to family and zest for life. He was born May 18, 1926, in Red Ridge, Mich., in the Upper Peninsula to George and Lulie Morin, both of whom preceded him in death. He moved with his family to Mishawaka in the midst of the Great Depression. He was educated in the Mishawaka public school system. A member of the greatest American generation, Mr. Morin joined the United States Marines in 1943 at the age of 17. He valiantly served in the 2nd Marine Division in the Pacific Theater during World War II, seeing action in Tinian, Saipan and Okinawa, and was stationed in occupied Japan after the end of the war until his honorable discharge in March 1946. He was a member of VFW Post 360, and was a devoted supporter of the American way of life.

 

After returning to Mishawaka after being discharged from the service, he met his future wife, Velma Edwards, while at the old Playland Park in South Bend, Ind. After a short engagement they were married on Feb. 29, 1948, in Gospel Center Church in River Park, South Bend. They were married for 54 years.  Mr. Morin was employed by Indiana & Michigan Electric Company, later American Electric Power. He retired in 1987 after 42 years of dedicated service with the company where he worked as a trouble-shooter electrician in the greater South Bend area. All who knew him considered Robert to be a generous man who would go out of his way to assist anyone in need, a quality that he instilled in all his children. He was a great storyteller and kept everyone around him entertained with stories of his life. He will long be remembered for his love of football, car racing, and constructing model airplanes.

 

His wife, two brothers, George Morin and Larry Morin, both of Mishawaka, survive him. He is also survived by his eight children, Sherri Cheney and husband David of Osceola, Alaine Morin-Bryan and husband Michael of Osceola, Robert Morin II of Mishawaka, Ronald Morin of Mishawaka, Raymon Morin of South Bend, Randal Morin and wife Debbie of Mishawaka, Rodney Morin and wife Melissa of Mishawaka, and Roland Morin of San Francisco, Calif. Robert was a dedicated and loving grandfather to his 10 grandsons, JD Cheney and wife Dana, John Cheney, Michah Bryan, Asher Morin, Ron Scot Morin, Randy Morin, Richard Morin, Dale Closson, Matthew Morin and Doug Morin; seven granddaughters, Aimee Clayton and husband Brian, Arielle Morin, Tirzah Morin, Marci Morin, Katelin Morin, Tiffany Morin and Stephanie Morin. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Anthony Cheney, Cameron Cheney, Ethan Clayton and Elisha Clayton. He could often be found attending school functions, driving them to and from activities, and spending time with his grandchildren.

 

Bubb Funeral Home in Mishawaka is handling arrangements, with viewing from 3 to 7 p.m. today, Dec. 17, 2002. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18, with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The American Cancer Society.