Morris W Mabe, 72, of Springfield, MO was born on April 2, 1942 to Harmond Eugene Mabe and Dorothy Rush. He passed away on June 9, 2014 surrounded by his family.
Morris'' childhood was spent on a farm in rural Springfield. Morris was inducted into the US Navy in 1960, directly out of high school. In 1969, he volunteered to go to Viet Nam where he served on three ships: USS Dubuque, USS Mispillion, and the USS Eversole. One of his COs wrote "Petty Officer Mabe has good drive, a willingness to learn and is considered an asset to his division and to the US Navy." Morris retired from the Navy in 1980 as a Bosun-Mate, and settled with his family in Springfield, MO.
Early in life Morris married, and later divorced, Carole Belshe. They had four children: Gary, Lisa, Dena, and Michelle. Morris later married Carol Louise Wilson Cohn. Carol had five children whom Morris helped to raise.
Morris is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol, his children (Gary and Jodie Mabe, Lisa and Jim Hostetler, Dena and Robert Nugen, Michelle and Chip Ellis), step-children (John Smith, Linda Smith, Albert Cohn, David and Jodi Cohn, Shawn Cohn), and grandchildren (Rebecca, Thomas, Sherra', John, Kera, John Albert, and Audrey).
A graveside service was held on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood, Springfield, MO.
Online condolences may be made to www.klingnerfuneralhome.com.