Burchell D. Morrell (1931-2020)

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Burchell D. Morrell

BOW – With deep sorrow, the family of Burchell D. Morrell, 89, of Bow, N.H. said goodbye to their beloved husband, dad and grandfather, who passed peacefully at home on Dec. 21, 2020.

Burchell Delbert Morrell, better known as Bob, was born on Sept. 10, 1931 in Kingfield, Maine, son of Harland and Zilpha (Taylor) Morrell.

He was educated in the Kingfield school system, graduating from Stanley High School in 1950 and attended Husson College.

Burchell was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served three years in the U.S. Army. He enlisted the service in January 1951 and received his basic training in Hawaii. He was assigned to G-3 Administration, IX Corps, in central Korea and was discharged with the rank of sergeant from Camp Gordon Georgia in 1954.

On Sept. 24, 1953, he married Virginia Trask of Kingfield at the home of his sister and brother-in-law in Bucksport.

He graduated from Tractor Trailer Driving Training School in 1956, at the University of North Carolina, in Raleigh, N.C. at the top of his class.

In 1960 Burchell graduated from the Maine State Police Academy. His first service was on the Maine turnpike in the Portland area. Later he and his family resided in Kingfield, Rangeley and Strong as he patrolled the western mountain area, including Sugarloaf and Saddleback. He was awarded Trooper of the Year in 1979 and retired in 1980. His Mom affectionately called him “Trooper Bob.”

After his retirement he served as a deputy sheriff for Franklin County, owned and operated the B.D. Morrell Trucking business, and later was employed as a tractor trailer operator for several area trucking companies. His CB handle was “Double Agent” identifying his roles as police officer and trucker.

He was a member and past president of the Western Maine Law Enforcement Officers Association. He was an active member of the retired Maine State Police Officers Association and served on its Board of Directors for several years. He was a 34-year member of the American Legion, Roderick – Crosby Post 28 and was a former member of Farmington Elks Lodge 2430.

His favorite sport was baseball and for years participated as a catcher and outfielder for various local leagues. Burchell and his friend Percy tried not to miss their “coffee buddies” at 9 a.m. at McDonalds, seven days a week. He faithfully watched the Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He also loved card games, including cribbage and pitch, and was an avid golfer in Maine and Florida where he and Virginia wintered for 25 years.

He is survived by his wife Virginia of Bow, N.H., son Michael and daughter-in law Patricia Morrell of Bow, N.H.; daughter, Marisa Morrell and daughter-in-law Cynthia Dowd of Richmond, ME; two grandsons, Connor of Bow, N.H. and Spencer of Quincy, MA; sister-in-law Dorothy Rollins of Augusta, ME; many nieces and nephews and special friends Pat and Gerry Libby of Farmington, ME.

Burchell was predeceased by: brothers Milford, Graden (infant) and Raynard Morrell and sisters Pauline Morrell, Winona Raymond, Nathalie Snow, Beatrice McGrath and their spouses; sister-in-law Joan Ware and husband Phil; brother-in-law Red Rollins and long-time friends Floyd and Evelyn Norton.

Funeral services with military and Maine State Police honors will be held in the late spring with burial at Sunnyside Cemetery in Kingfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Maine State Troopers Foundation, 101 Bangor Rd, Unity, ME 04988. Memories may be shared in his Book of Memories at www.wilesrc.com. Funeral services are being cared for and provided by the Wiles Remembrance Center:Adams~McFarlane Chapel, 137 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington.

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19 Comments

  1. So sorry to hear about Burchill. He and my father were friends for year. My deepest condolences to the family. He 8s in heaven with some of his card playing friends. Fly high.

  2. Burch and I patrolled Franklin County together for many years. He was here when I was assigned here and was a big help in learning. Haven’t seen him for years but I do think of my brother troopers often. He is missed.

  3. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to his Family and Friend’s. I knew Burchell for most of my life and he was a great person. He will be missed by all who knew him.

  4. Our sincere condolences to Virginia and family. We had alot of fun with Burch throughout the yesrs. RIP.

  5. Burchell will be missed and always remembered while he was in Maine and here in Florida. Always enjoyed our gatherings with Burchell and Ginny and playing Train together. Gerry remembers the many camping trips together with the Morrell family with fond memories. Hugs to everyone.

  6. We knew Burchell #311 when he worked and lived in Rangeley. He was a great guy and he and my late husband Dick were friends. Sorry to hear about his passing. My condolences to the family.

  7. Sorry to hear that Burchell passed away. His friends will be waiting for him .in heaven. Hugs to Virginia and family.

  8. I was fortunate to have some story telling time with Burchell when he came to visit old friends last summer, he and Virginia rented my apartment in Wilton. Virginia would take him to say farewell to friends in Franklin County and some would come to see him at the apartment. It was cherished time for him.

  9. So sorry to hear of Burchell’s passing. Burch was a legend to Franklin county. Loved watching him play baseball when we were both young, he was an exceptionally good athlete who could run and hit with the best of them. Burchell will be missed RIP

  10. Burchill worked the Stratton/Rangeley area for a while when we were all younger. he was a fair patrolman who worked with many of us from the sixties. My prayers to his family

  11. I always called him as my god daddy Burchell. I miss him. I remembered we go many camping with my family and Morrell’s family also travel anywhere!! I have picture of him wore trooper uniform and I wore dress together ❤️ Please tell my parents that I said big hello and miss them so much❤️❤️ I never forget that I rode with him and god mother in state trooper car!! Good memories with him❤️❤️

  12. Burchell was indeed a legendary trooper. He was so well liked and respected and a role model to other law enforcement officers. He had been long retired when I showed up but the stories lived on. Glad I did get to know him, he was a gentleman.

  13. Burchell Morrell…oh how I smile whenever I hear your name…memories….thank you for the times you escorted Mike & I home from “ The Red Stallion “..Bet Mike smiled, when you meet again..My condolences to your family..

  14. Burchell was the trooper in strong, when I was a young man. I was fortunate to have played baseball with him. The fastest man I ever saw from home plate to first base,and an excellent hitter. RIP my friend

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