Ivan Morlan

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Ivan Ellis Morlan, 86, of rural Bloomfield passed away Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, at his home.

He was born Feb. 22, 1922, in Lowndes, Mo., son of the late John Alfred and Clara Ellen McCoy Morlan.

Morlan had grown up in the Sturdivant and Avert communities and had lived in the Bloomfield area most of his life. He attended Beechgrove Church early in life and more recently attended Mount Pisgah Church in Aquilla, Mo.

He was a row crop and cattle farmer and an avid hunter and fisherman. Most of all he loved his wife, children, his farm, church and community, commenting many times "that was all he ever needed."

He and Bessie Allen Harper were married March 2, 1940, at Bloomfield.

Survivors include his wife, Bessie Morlan of Bloomfield; two sons, Autry Morlan of Bloomfield, John Morlan of West Plains, Mo.; a daughter, Gale Wilson of Bloomfield; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Also a sister, Maxine Culberson of Alton, Ill.; three dear sisters-in-law, Hattie, Sybil and Marion; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by a son, Ellis Morlan; four brothers; and five sisters.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Mo.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bob Holland of Bloomfield officiating. Interment will follow in Walker Cemetery near Bloomfield.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.watkinsfuneralhome.com.