Jerauld Morell Obituary

Jerauld F. Morell
December 23, 1949 - November 8, 2023
Jerauld "Jerry" Francis Morell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and dedicated friend and lawyer, died unexpectedly but peacefully on November 8, 2023, in San Antonio, TX.

He was born on December 23, 1949, in McAllen, TX, the son of Richard "Abe" and Merium (Vessels) Morell. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Richard Morell and Julian Morell, daughter Erin Morell, brothers-in-law Kerry O'Sullivan and Scott Johnson, and sisters-in-law Devon Knutsen, Kathy O' Sullivan, and Donna Morell.

Jerry Morell was a graduate of McAllen High School (class of 68), the University of Texas at Austin (class of 73), and St. Mary's Law School (class of 77), where he served as editor of the St. Mary's Law Journal and graduated with distinction. Throughout his undergraduate years, he worked at Continental Airlines in Houston, New Orleans, where he attended Loyola University for one year, and in Austin, putting himself through college and making lifelong friends. He began his law career at the firm of Groce, Locke, and Hebdon and continued his career at the firm of Martin and Drought, before starting his own law practice, all in San Antonio. He was a faithful congregant of St. Matthews Catholic Church, where he led and participated in numerous ACTS and prayer groups, including the first ACTS retreat in Africa in Durban, SO. Africa. Jerry was a talented athlete, an avid canoer, and, early in life, an ardent member of the Boy Scouts of America, for which he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He also had an enthusiasm for Native American oral traditions and material culture, served as little league coach for many years, and had great fondness for political and philosophical discussions. He loved traveling and hiking, especially with his family in the mountains of northern New Mexico around a family cabin in Bear Paw.

Above all, he dedicated his life to serving others. His desire to improve the lives of those around him began as a boy scout. After high school, he planned to attend West Point, receiving a primary congressional appointment, and aspired to be a member of the JAG Corps, but those plans in 1968 were unrealized due to the discovery of a knee injury sustained playing high school football. He continued his call to serve others through a lifelong dedication to the law and civic engagement, often in pro-bono and volunteer capacities, and in his deep and abiding love for his family and friends and respect for and belief in human kindness. He was a best friend to many. He couldn't help it; it was in his nature.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 35 years, Noreen O'Sullivan Morell, brothers Fr. Bill Morell, OMI, of San Antonio, TX, Martin Morell (Genevieve) of Houston, TX, and Michael Morell (Carolina) of San Antonio, TX, sisters Mary Morell of Albuquerque, NM, Janie Morell-Hart (John) and Lucy Morell-Gengler (Dan) of Helena, MT, daughters Chelsey Morell Denny (Bryan) of Houston, TX, Katie Morell-Grasmeyer (Matt) of Grand Rapids, MI, and Kelly Morell (Sebouh) of Dallas, TX, and sons Tom Morell (Hannah) of Newcastle, England, and Brian Morell of San Antonio, TX. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren: John Denny, Billie Kate Grassmeyer, Alasdair Morell, and a soon-to-be fourth grandchild due in 2024, as well as loving sisters-in-law Gael O'Sullivan and Erin O'Sullivan (Mark Jennings), 30 nieces, nephews, and grand-nephews, and first wife Wanda Reynolds Kirkpatrick, mother to Erin and Chelsey.

We'll all miss him terribly.

A memorial Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 7pm Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at St. Matthews Catholic Church (10703 Wurzbach) conducted by Father Bill Morell, OMI and Father Rufus Whitley, OMI. A reception will follow the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions be made to Oblate missions of Zamba care of Fr. Bill Morell – 302 Oblate Drive San Antonio, Texas 78216.


MASS
TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
7:00 PM
ST. MATTHEWS CATHOLIC CHURCH
10703 WURZBACH ROAD

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