Obituary
Maurice B. Munger

The Daily Press June 11, 2004

Longtime Apple Valley resident Maurice B. (Morrie) Munger, 81, has moved to his new residence in Heaven. A valiant fighter, he lived 30 years beyond medical expectation to be claimed June 1, 2004, by complications of his unique illness. Celebration of his life will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Bible Baptist Church, 12626 First Ave. in Victorville. Private family graveside farewell will be immediately following. Maurice was born Dec. 23, 1922, in Great Divide, Colo. He was one of 12 children of Lewis and Minnie Nelson Munger, the Munger family tracing its roots to the Mayflower.

The family moved to Pasadena in 1929. After graduation from Pasadena Junior College, Munger worked in the nursery business, auto dismantling and masonry before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served as a gunnery instructor at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nev., training soldiers for World War II air combat from the B-17 bomber. After his military service, he joined his brothers in the Munger Brothers Paving Company in San Dimas.

He and his wife, Lois Klock, were married on his birthday in 1941 in Arizona. Long excited by the adventure of camping, rockhounding and exploring the High Desert, Maurice and his young family moved to Hesperia in 1955. In his true, teacher spirit, he purchased a ?U-Build? home. He and his young sons completed the interior of the home, learning about cabinetry, installing fixtures, finishing floors, walls, windows, decorating and landscaping. After working for the San Bernardino County Fair District, Maurice returned to his road construction experience and became employed as a heavy equipment operator and supervisor until his medical retirement in 1968. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local No. 12 until his death.

The Mungers moved to Apple Valley in 1964. All his life, he was curious about how things worked. An avid reader, he continued to educate himself thoroughly about every new interest ? gem identification, jewelry making, nature, mechanics, woodworking, gardening, remodeling, literature, music, history, politics, automobile and airplane collectibles, firearms and every facet of his beloved High Desert. His inventions were endless.

He loved animals and researched every one native to the desert. A pair of tortoises that wandered on to the Munger property lived there for 40 years. Maurice became an earnest servant of the Lord in 1961, when his son, Laurence, began a personal ministry. Maurice studied the Bible and related history, and he exemplified Biblical teachings. He served both as an educator and an usher at Bible Baptist Church. He was never too busy to help a friend, teach a child or offer advice to anyone in need. His associations included the Gem and Mineral Club, Boy Scouts of America (he continued as packmaster long after his sons moved on), National Rifle Association and World War II veterans.

He is survived by his bride of 63 years, Lois, and their four children, Gerald and wife, Carolee of San Luis Obispo, Laurence and wife, Linda of Hesperia; Ruth Carole and husband, William of Sun City, Ariz., and Dan and wife, Wanda of Apple Valley. He leaves 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, James and wife, Gloria of Orange. Victor Valley Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Additional information: Age at Death: 81; Birth Date: Dec. 23, 1922; Died 2003; Spouse: Lois Klock. No additional information on Lois Klock.--Dave