Walter E. Morson of Lompoc died Saturday, August 15, 2009, at the age of 82.

Walter was born August 10, 1927, in Saugus, Massachusetts, to Richard and Bessie Morson. He was raised and educated in the Boston area before entering the U. S. Navy in 1944. After a number of assignments in the Pacific, Mediterranean and New England, he joined the U. S. Air Force. He was stationed in various parts of the United States and Hawaii before coming to Vandenberg Air Force Base in 1966. He retired from the air force in 1969 and later held several civil service positions at VAFB.

Walter received a degree from Laverne College in Criminal Justice. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War and the Air Force Sergeants Association. He enjoyed spending time with his family.

Walter is survived by his son Bill Morson (Debbie) of Lompoc, CA, daughter Kathleen Mele (Phil) of Gilbert, AZ, and Sharlene Baker of San Francisco, CA; six grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Bernadette in 1999. He was the youngest of 10 children, all of whom preceded him in death.

Walter liked to think of himself as a regular guy. He took pleasure in doing simple things. A comfortable chair, a cup of coffee, or a walk around his favorite store was all he needed to have a good day. He had a gift for making everyone he met feel important. Walt would say that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. We will miss you, Dad, and hope to live life as you did.