Peter Declan Morrissey, a devoted veteran, passionate educator, and beloved family man, passed away on September 6 in Big Spring.

Born on July 29, 1944, in Clarenbridge, County Galway, Ireland, Peter Declan was the youngest of six children of Peter Morrissey and Catherine Connolly. His siblings are—Desmond, Agnes, Marion, Catherine, and Ita. He is survived by Desmond and Ita.

At the age of 14, Peter Declan emigrated to the United States, joining his sister Agnes in Palmerton, Pennsylvania. He later moved to New York City, where he graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in the early 1960s.

In 1965, Peter Declan answered the call of duty, enlisting in the U.S. Navy and serving honorably in Vietnam the following year. His commitment to service continued when he later joined the U.S. Army, where he served as a Military Police officer from 1979 to 1985.

Education became Peter Declan’s lifelong passion. He earned four degrees, including a master’s from Webster University, and dedicated himself to teaching. As a professor at Central Texas College, he inspired countless students and colleagues. His career also brought him to military installations across the Pacific before he eventually settled in Alpine in 2006.

Above all, Peter Declan cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his four sons— Kevin, Declan, Hugh, and Adrian—and his ten grandchildren: Makeda, Aiden, Alani, Jalen, Adrian Jr, Leilani, Gyllian, Adal, Zion, and Ziggy. He is also remembered by his first wife, Perlina; his second wife, Adela; and his wife in later years, Ailyn, who lovingly cared for him throughout his final journey.

A wake in Peter Declan’s honor will be held at his home in Alpine on Saturday, September 13, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A burial service with full military honors will follow on Friday, September 19, at 1 p.m. at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene, Texas.

Peter Declan Morrissey will be remembered for his courage, his work ethic, his sharp wit, his generosity, and his unwavering devotion to family, students, and country.