Donald Curtis Morse

August 11, 2021
Donald Curtis Morse

Gifts & Memorial Donations



Donald Curtis Morse, 59, of Williamsburg, Virginia passed away on August 11, 2021. Mr. Morse worked for the US Joint Staff Directorate for Joint Force Development (J-7) as Chief of the Allies and Partners Force Development (APFD) Division after retiring from active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Colonel. He served for more than 25 years in a multitude of staff and command positions. One of the highlights of his career was Commander, 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division as well as participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A native of Shelbyville, Kentucky, he graduated from Western Kentucky University as well as numerous Service schools, and is very proud to have received a diploma from the Norwegian National Defense College (Forsvarets Høgskole) in Oslo, Norway.  He was extremely proud of receiving the Spanish Navy Cross Merit Medal.

In addition to his outstanding contributions to our military, he was also an Associate Member of First Baptist Church in West Point, Virginia, and a member of both the US Marine Tankers Association, American Legion & other various organizations.

Mr. Morse loved God, watching trains, playing board games, and gem collecting, but most importantly he loved his family, friends, and spending time with his loved ones.

He is survived by his son, Curtis Morse, daughters; Lauren Morse, Macy Morse, Eliza Morse; parents Jonathan & Lula Morse, siblings; Linda Pursell, Deborah Morse, David Morse, Alex Morse; & multitude of extended family.

A service will be held on Monday, August 23, 2021 at 2PM at First Baptist Church, 414 Main Street, West Point, VA, 23181. Burial will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

Bucktrout Funeral Home is assisting with services.


Purchase Flowers

Subscribe to this Obituary

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • August 23, 2021
    VADM Guy Robinson, COS NATO HQ SACT says:
    Staff at NATO Allied Command Transformation are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Colonel (ret.) Donald Morse. Don worked closely with many of us on a wide variety of topics and was an inspiration for the Multinational Capability Development Campaign and international Concept Development and Experimentation communities to improve military capabilities among 30 NATO allies. His achievements over 9 years working as a tireless initiator for the common cause are greatly appreciated and he will be remembered as a remarkable, dedicated, selfless and compassionate leader, professional, and friend. Don will be sorely missed. For NATO HQ Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, VADM Robinson, Chief of Staff

  • August 24, 2021
    Jim Hill says:
    A true gentleman who will be greatly missed by his many friends from across the globe. A real pleasure to have known and work with him.

  • August 24, 2021
    B.Gen.(R): Yousef Shawabkeh Royal Jordanian Air Force says:
    Dear family and friends of Don, I am at a loss for words during this sorrowful time, my heart is with you in your time of sorrow. Can’t forget how he stand with me and his great support for me and my family. "Don" will be greatly missed but his warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit will be remembered forever. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. May his Soul Rest In Peace.

  • August 24, 2021
    Hunter Gardner says:
    Mr. Morse’s son is my best friend, I spent countless hours after church, and on weekends hanging out with them. Mr. Morse was the kindest man and always welcomed me and the others to his home with open arms. He loved to play board games with all of us, rail raiders particularly. He will be deeply missed.

  • August 24, 2021
    Caitlin DeGraffenreidt says:
    Don had an amzing and giving personality. He wore a smile and always had nice things to say to anyone that he encountered. Don you will be missed! Thank you fo making the JS J7 and all those that had the privilege of meeting you.