HOPE — Joel Edward Morse, 81, of Hope, died on Sunday, June 30, 2019, at Woodland Memory Care in Rockland from complications of dementia.

Born on October 3, 1937 in Camden, he was the son of Frank and Ruth (Nash) Morse. He was a graduate of Camden High School Class of 1955. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in the military police and was stationed in Japan for eighteen months.

Following his military discharge, Joel returned to Hope where he assisted his father in the family dairy business. He married Margaret Carr of Hope in 1960.

In his retirement, he owned and operated his own firewood business for a few years. Joel especially enjoyed his wood delivery trips to North Haven where he was known for the good measure and quality of his firewood.

Joel had served as a former Selectman and member of the Planning Board for the Town of Hope. In addition, he had been a long-time member of the Hope Grange and charter member of the Hatchet Mountain Snowmobile Club.

Margaret and Joel enjoyed spending many winters in the Florida Keys and Frostproof, Florida.

He was predeceased by a sister, Joan Morse, in 1947.

Surviving is his wife of 58 years, Margaret Morse; two daughters, Susan McIntyre and her husband, Scott, all of Hope, Melissa Scott and her husband, Howard of Middleburg, FL; four grandchildren, Zachary (Nicole) McIntyre of Billerica, MA; Stephanie (Tracy) Tuttle of Albion; Sierra Tolman of Carmel; Shelby Tolman of Thomaston; former son-in-law, Randy Tolman of Burketville; nine great-grandchildren, Olivia Beverage, Stuart and Levi Hamblen, Sophia Tolman, April Robinson, Samuel and Jacob Tuttle, Harper and Nora McIntyre; sisters-in-law, Violet Karl of Rockland; Ruth Johnson of Steep Falls; and Barbara Carr of Union.

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Hope Volunteer Fire Department, 475 Camden Rd., Hope, ME 04847.

There will be a graveside service held Monday, July 8, at 11 a.m., at the Hope Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Mark Stockwell officiating.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.