Morgan Cressler

Mr. Morgan Cressler, age 98, of Melrose passed peacefully into eternal life with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. He was born May 25, 1920 in Danville, West Virginia to Asbury Brainard and Lillian Hamner Cressler. Morgan was sworn into service in the United States Navy on May 14, 1941, just prior to our nations involvement in World War II. He received the Presidential Unit Citation for duty with VP-84, the patrol squadron which sank more enemy submarines than any other U.S. squadron during WWII, as well as many other medals, commendations and citations. Morgan retired from active duty in June 1962, and from the Fleet Reserve in June 1971, with the rank of Chief Aviation Machinists Mate B. He and his family resided in Webster Springs, West Virginia after retiring from the Navy, where Morgan and his wife both retired from the U.S. Postal Service, before moving to Melrose, Florida. Morgan was a faithful and longtime member of Faith Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and participated in the "Yard Birds" who diligently maintained the grounds at Faith. Morgan loved to hunt at his homeplace in Czar, West Virginia and enjoyed fishing, boating and many other outdoor activities. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. Morgan was awarded with a Quilt of Valor on December 6, 2015 for his service in WWII. In addition to his parents, Morgan was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Josephine "Jo" Leslie Cressler and their son Alan Bruce Cressler, as well as three siblings, Martha Kelly, Isaac Lewis and Paul Lewis. Survivors are his two children, Susan Okun of Little River, South Carolina and Melrose, Florida and David Cressler of Atlantic Beach, Florida. Also left behind are his three grandsons David Cressler, Jr., Ben Cressler, and Zach Okun, his two great-grandchildren Aneliza and Eli Cressler and many much loved nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 7, 2018 at Mossman Hall in Melrose with Pastor Rob Ham officiating. Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 9, 2018 at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Faith Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 2738 SE State Road 21, Melrose, FL 32666. Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 340 E. WALKER DR. KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, FL 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com Cemetery Florida National Cemetery 6502 SW 102nd Ave Bushnell FL 33513 US Memorial Service Saturday, July 7, 2018 2:00 PM - Mossman Hall 301 SR 26 Melrose FL 32666 US Graveside Service Monday, July 9, 2018 1:00 PM - Florida National Cemetery 6502 SW 102nd Ave Bushnell FL 33513 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL - 32656 US (352) 473-3176