THOMASTON — E. Roger Morse, 92, died July 18, 2016, after a very brief illness at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport. Roger was born Aug. 1, 1923, in Thomaston, to Elmus and Carrie (Rogers) Morse. Roger lived his whole life in Thomaston and attended schools there.

On July 19, 1941, he married Rose Marie Mitchell and they shared 74 years together. He served in the Navy during World War II with the Seabees, stationed in California and Okinawa. After returning from the war he worked at Morse Boat Building in Thomaston, which he later owned and operated until selling the business to Cabot Lyman. He then built and operated Phoenix Boatbuilders until his retirement.

He enjoyed reading World War II books, building furniture and working in his vegetable garden. The family is very grateful to Roger's nephew, Fred Cullen, who visited him weekly, and to his friends at Thomaston Grocery, where he went for his daily coffee.

If an epitaph was to be placed on Roger's monument these words would say it all: "He was a great boatbuilder."

He was predeceased by his wife, Rose; his sisters, Lura Libby, Vera Johnston and Eleanor Cullen; and a grandson, Dean MacMillan.

He is survived by his children, Molly MacMillan, Richard Morse, and Monica and her husband, Tom Rokes; his grandchildren, Andy MacMillan, John MacMillan, Holly Rokes and Hannah Rokes; and his great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Emily, Erik, John, Joey and Jordyn.

A service to celebrate Roger's life will be held on Tuesday, July 26, at 10 a.m. at the Village Cemetery in Thomaston. The Rev. Wayne Sawyer will officiate.

Should friends desire, contributions in Roger's memory may be made to The Sussman House, 40 Anchor Way, Rockport, ME 04856.

Hall's of Thomaston has care of the arrangements.