Jesse Morrell

A memorial service for Jesse Ray Morrell will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 12 at Bustard's Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Adams of Grace Bible Baptist Church officiating.Military rites will be accorded by the Natrona County Veterans Council and the Wyoming Army National Guard. A reception will follow the service at the Mills Community Center, 401 Wasatch Ave. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments for a jam session. Jesse passed away peacefully on March 30 at Wyoming Medical Center, surrounded by family and friends. He was born October 26, 1930 in Crowell, Texas to Charles and Ella (Floyd) Morrell. He was raised in New Mexico and Texas. Jesse served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1948-1952 during the Korean War. On March 9, 1963, he married the love of his life, Iva Jane (Peacock) Brantley in Big Spring, Texas. They moved to Casper in 1977. She preceded him in death on July 19, 2009. Jesse was a carpenter by trade. He worked as a car salesman, and was employed at the Casper YMCA for a period of time prior to his retirement. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and telling stories and jokes. He was a master at creating nicknames for family and special friends. Jesse had a deep love, appreciation and talent for music, playing both the fiddle and rhythm guitar and singing. In his younger years he played rhythm guitar in a number of country bands in Texas. He won several music competition titles including 2011 Rocky Mountain Regional Senior-Senior Fiddle Champion and Favorite Accompanist in numerous competitions. He was a mentor, inspiration and friend to many musicians in the Casper area, especially to the young musicians in Wyoming Fiddlers' Association District #4. His musical legacy will continue for generations through them. Jesse was preceded in death by his wife, Iva; his parents; a sister, Nella; and a brother, Rufus. He is survived by two sons, Mike (Cherie) Brantley and Milan Morrell both of Casper; his twin sister, Essie; sister Cubie Jo; brothers Marvin, Henry, Melvin, Johnny and Ed; grandson, Mitch; granddaughter, Sara; great-granddaughter, Boston Christine; and many friends who loved him dearly. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Wyoming Fiddlers' Association District #4, P.O. Box 876, Mills, WY 82644 will be appreciated.