William (Bill) H. Morse, 82, of Sidney, IL, took his last fishing trip to the big lake in the sky on March 12, 2023.  Bill was born on November 21, 1940 to Ira and Lorraine Morse, attended Taylorville schools and graduated Villa Grove High School in 1958.  Bill married his high school sweetheart Barbara Crouse Morse in 1960 and they lived primarily in Sidney Illinois where they had a family of four children:  William J. Morse, Timothy Morse, Julie Morse Cary (Jack Sr.), and Bonnie Morse McArthur (Joel).  

Retiring from a 30 year career at the University of Illinois, Bill was a lead operating engineer at Abbott Power plant. He also founded and owned Morse Heating and Air Conditioning. Bill was engaged in the community as President and member of the Unit 7 school board,  member and Past Master of the Sidney Masonic Lodge, a 32nd degree Mason for 38 years, and an Ansar Shriner.  Sidney United Methodist Church was an important part of Bill’s life and he helped build and relocate the church.  In his retirement, Bill and Barb traveled the Southwest fishing, camping, and boating and then enjoyed their Florida lake home.  

Preceding Bill in death are his parents Ira and Lorraine, his sister Marlana Hutchinson, and several in-laws from the Crouse family.   William is survived by his wife, Barbara, his four children, and seven grandchildren:  Alex Morse (Justina), Kalene Morse (Zac), Jenna Cary, Jack Cary, Jr., Lyndsay McArthur, Lauryn McArthur, Jacob McArthur, and two great grandchildren:  Elijah and Nora, along with his step brother Joe Morse (Mariah) and in-laws, nieces and nephews.  

Services will be on Saturday, March 18th at Countryside United Methodist Church, 1807 County Road 1000 North, Urbana, IL. Visitation is from 1:30 pm to 3 pm with funeral and Masonic rights to follow.  Private graveside services will be held at a later date. 

Freese Funeral Home 202 W. Main Sidney is in charge of arrangements.

 Memorials may be made to Countryside United Methodist Church or Shriner's Hospital.