William J. "Billy" McMorran, age 91, resident of Devils Lake, ND, formerly of Lawton and Lakota, died Monday, October 27, 2008 at the Devils Lake Good Samaritan Center.

William James McMorran was born March 18, 1917 in Lawton, ND, to Robert and Margaret (Horrocks) McMorran. He graduated from Lawton High School and attended NDSU in Fargo. He farmed his family farm all of his life until retirement when he then moved to Lakota in 1976. On June 11, 1941, he married his high school sweetheart Edith Johnson.

He was an active member of the Lawton Vets Baseball Club, served on the Lillehoff Township Board, Farmer's Union board member for 30 years, member of the Mason Lodge in Lakota, and Scottish Rites of Langdon. He was a past member of the Lawton and Edmore Methodist Churches, and presently of the United Church of Christ in Lakota. He faithfully watched his Minnesota Twins, besides greatly enjoying his fishing trips and bowling.

He is survived by one son, Robbin (Doris) McMorran of Lawton; two daughters, Janet (Steve) Vaughn of Littleton, CO and Joann (Ken) Paulson of Webster, ND; 8 grandchildren, Kelly (Dennis) Larson, Lori (Kyle) Hook, Shannon (Steve) Hancock, Brook (Richard) Burt, Nikki (Brian) Crouse, Tanya (Ryan) Haldenwagner, Kurt (Kim) Zellers, and Jodi Weber; 13 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Edith; 2 sisters, Hazel Common and Betty Rhines; an infant brother; and grandson, Hans Paulson.

Bill's Funeral Service will be held at the United Church of Christ, Lakota, ND, on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Sue Mackey. The organist will be Ellen Pederson. Interment will be in the Lakota Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Ervin Hammer, Roger Wheeler, Ronnie Wheeler, Thor Thompson, Bob Ferguson, Bill Solberg, and Bert Elgin. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Friday, October 31, 2008 beginning at 2:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.