Obituaries

David “Wayne” Morden, age 83, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on April 27, 2025, at MyMichigan
Medical Center Sault. He was born on December 6, 1941, in Hamilton, Ontario, to Rev. Malcolm “Mac” and Lillian (Stone) Morden.

Wayne grew up in Toronto, Ontario, and graduated from York High School before continuing his education through Christian Leadership Training and later earning his associate degree from Seneca College. Wayne’s life was deeply rooted in faith, family, and fellowship. He was a devoted member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Sault Ste. Marie. It was through his close-knit church and family community that he met Mary Frances Lawton—whose father, like Wayne’s own, was a Baptist minister. Wayne and Mary Frances were married on July 11, 1981, in Sault Ste. Marie, beginning a partnership filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

Wayne faced life with courage and a sense of humor that left a lasting impression. Though he lived with
cerebral palsy, his spirit was never limited. Friends and family will always remember his radiant smile,
unmistakable laugh, and endless supply of stories. A jokester at heart, he had a gift for lifting others’ spirits. Wayne enjoyed simple pleasures—playing spider solitaire on the computer, tuning in to Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and Christian television, and spending winters in Florida with his beloved wife. Together, they also cherished traveling on cruises and exploring the world hand in hand. Wayne looked forward to the day when he would “hit the ground running and losing the scooter” in heaven—a hope he held onto with faith and joy.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Mary Frances; special friend, Robin Jackson; sisters-in-law, Ellen Dawson and Kathleen Stoneham; brother-in-law, Timothy (Paula) Lawton; nephews, Todd (Pam) Morden and Brett (Mary) Morden; as well as several other cousins, nieces and nephews who will all miss him dearly.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Mac and Lillian, brother, Dwight Morden; in-laws, Rev. Clarence & Janith Lawton; and brothers-in-law, John David Dawson, David Stoneham, Merritt Lawton and John Lawton.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon at the First United Presbyterian Church, 555 Bingham Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. The Funeral Service will follow immediately at 12:00 Noon.

Wayne’s final resting place will be Oaklawn Chapel Gardens, Bruce Township, Michigan.

Memorial Contributions may be left in Wayne’s memory to the First United Presbyterian Church, 555 Bingham Ave. Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.