The Reverend Dr. William Henry “Bill” Morehouse, 88, of Mt. Pleasant, died Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at his residence.
Bill was born April 14, 1935 in Mt. Pleasant, IA, the son of Herbert Spencer and Lela Pearl (Snider) Morehouse. He was raised on the family farm in Wayne Township where he raised livestock. He attended Union No. 9 Country Grade School. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1953. On November 14, 1954, Bill was united in marriage to Antionette Louise “Ann” Bailey.
After high school, Bill matriculated to Iowa Wesleyan College and received his B.A. degree in January 1957. While at Iowa Wesleyan from 1954-55, Bill served as pastor to the Oakland Mills Community Church. Bill then attended Drake University Divinity School and receive a Masters of Divinity Degree in 1960. After several years in full time ministry, Bill eared a Doctor of Ministry degree in 1984 from Oral Roberts University.
Bill was ordained a Deacon in the Methodist Church in 1958 and an Elder in 1960. He served churches in the South Iowa Conference of Deep River, Barnes City, Guernsey, Sidney, Mt. Ayr and Bagley Center. From 1976-1980 – Bill was the Iowa Conference Approved Evangelist and traveled several states in mission renewal to the local church. Bill officially retired in 1993 but continued to pastor numerous churches as well as being the Iowa Wesleyan College Adjunct Professor of Old and New Testaments from 2003-2004. During 2 winter trips to Corpus Christi TX, Bill was the KOA Campground Minister. Also, he and Ann were winter co-pastors at the Weslaco, TX United Methodist Church.
Bill’s interests were in genealogy, Native American lore including the tepee and lodge, camping, fishing and making of lures. Bill was the owner operator of the Eagle Ridge RV Park at Eagleville, MO. The park had a lake and several acres where Bill backgrounded cattle. At one time, he owned 5 antique tractors, reducing down to 3 by his retirement.
Those thankful for sharing in Bill’s life include his wife of 68 years, Ann of Mt. Pleasant; 3 sons and their wives – Mark & Rebecca Morehouse and Michael & Maureen, all of Winterset, IA and David & Cary Morehouse of Mason City, IA; 7 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. He was anticipating the birth of the 22nd great grandchild. Bill is survived as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
His parents, a brother – H. Louis Morehouse and a sister – Mary Ellen White and a great grandson, Christian Ercel Morehouse, precede Bill in death.
A funeral service for the Rev. Morehouse will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, October 3rd at the Finley Chapel United Methodist Church with Joan Rodgers officiating. Burial will be in the Oakland Mills Cemetery, rural Mt. Pleasant. Friends may call to sign the register from 12 Noon to 6 PM on Monday, Oct. 2 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The family will greet friends from 10 to 11 AM on Tuesday at the church.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to Every Step Hospice or Oakland Mills Cemetery. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.