Sergeant Major Morris Reese Crater

Semper Fi! Sergeant Major Morris Reese Crater, 77, of Cantonment, Florida, left this world grudgingly on July 17, 2013, with his loving wife and life partner, J.J., by his side. He was born to the late Gertrude Gallaher and Morris Lee Crater, August 10, 1935, in Portsmouth, Virginia. Sergeant Major Crater served his country proudly and with distinction as a United States Marine for 28 years before retiring to Florida in 1981 to pursue a career in counseling. He and J.J., also a counselor, married in 1987 and they enjoyed 26 years of marriage prior to his untimely passing. Sergeant Major Crater lived life his way and on his terms, with integrity, compassion, deep thought, perseverance, and a copious amount of humor. He held a Master’s Degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s Degree in History; most importantly, he was a lifelong avid reader, philosopher, intellectual, and student of life. He loved to travel, whether in person or through books, and was very physically active. He loved the outdoors, gardening, landscaping, and his animals, especially the late Blue. Sergeant Major Crater was steadfast and true, unwavering, and deeply responsible. He lived his principles, and by so doing, served as an example to all that knew and loved him; he demonstrated a better and more conscious way to live. Sergeant Major Crater was a beloved husband, father, and son, and he is deeply missed. In addition to J.J., Sergeant Major Crater is survived by four children: Sheila Keene Crater Koty, of Vancouver, Washington; Dawn Lenka Crater, of Albany, California; Morris Reese Crater, Jr. of Torrance, California; and Philip Steven Portier of Kansas City, Missouri. He is also survived by several grandchildren, including Matteo Giovanni D’Orio, of Albany, California. Further, Sergeant Major Crater is survived by a blessed multitude of in-laws, including mother-in-law Juanita Howland, of Lees Summit, Missouri; sister-in-law Jerri Rogers, of Overland Park, Kansas; brother-in-law John Howland, of Overland Park, Kansas; and a plethora of nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Monday, July 22, 2013, as follows: Visitation at Gonzalez United Methodist Church, 2026 Pauline Street, Cantonment, FL at 10:30 A.M. with the Funeral Service to immediately follow at 11:30 A.M. Afterward, Sergeant Major Crater will be buried with full military honors at Barrancas National Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Road, Pensacola at 1:15 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation, “In Memory” of Sergeant Major Morris Reese Crater, online at toysfortots.org, or by mail at: Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administration, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA, 22172. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERL HOME NORTH, 1000 Hwy 29S, Cantonment, FL is in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com

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Sergeant Major Morris Reese Crater

August 10, 1935 - July 17, 2013