Scott Taylor Morse, 49, Harrisonville, MO, died Sunday, May 13, 2007 at the Kansas City Hospice House. Brain cancer won the battle for his body, but it never defeated him. His positive attitude, concern for others and sense of humor never wavered. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 16 at the Harrisonville United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the celebration at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the beHeadStrong (a local organization involved in the fight against brain cancer) or the Kansas City Hospice House. Arrangements are under the direction of Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville, MO (816) 380-3268.

Scott was born February 9, 1958 in Kirksville, MO, the son of two of his heroes, Charles and Vernita (Gerrish) Morse. After graduating from Kirksville Senior High in 1976, he earned an Agricultural Economics Degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1980. While there, he was a member of the FarmHouse Fraternity. Scott spent the next six years with the American Polled Hereford Association, traveling across the Midwest, promoting the breed. In 1987 he began a new career as a financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments in Harrisonville, MO.

On November 12, 1988, he married the love of his life, Ann Eberly. He cherished her confidence, intelligence and encouragement. In Ann, he found a companion whom he could confide in and guide him. Scott considered her the wind beneath his wings. He loved her and he loved her family, too.

In their new hometown, Scott became involved in many activities through the Harrisonville United Methodist Church, Sunrise Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce.

In 1992 and again in 1995, the focus of his life forever changed as sons Mitchell and Nathan were born. He loved everything about being a father, especially taking them to school, camping trips and basketball. He was an amazing father to his sons and the mutual love, devotion and respect for each other was very special and obvious to all.

As his family grew, so did his now very successful business. He was consistently awarded the designation of Top Producer in the firm. Not content with his own success, he wanted to help others excel as well. Along the way, he mentored countless others so that they too might perform at their highest level. Despite his success as a financial advisor, his love of agriculture never left him. He had a passion for his farm near Harrisonville. He sometimes jokingly said he "was a farmer who sold some stocks on the side."

Other than his family, his interests included the United Methodist Church, his farm, University of Missouri football and basketball, Kansas City Chiefs, the Missouri State Fair, turkey hunting and visiting with people.

Scott would be honored to be defined by the company that he kept. As Scott met wonderful people throughout his life, they became lifetime friends. Their support for Scott and his family during the past months will never be forgotten.

Survivors include his wife, Ann, and his sons, Mitchell and Nathan, all of the home; his father, Charles Morse, Kirksville, MO and siblings, Charlotte Ballard, St. Peters, MO, Greg Morse, Harrisonville, MO, Janet Turnbough, Odessa, MO and George Morse, Harrisonville, MO. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins, uncles, aunts and in-laws, all of whom he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his mother, Vernita Morse.