Former Judge Haskell Morse to be Laid to Rest Sunday

Former Hempstead County Judge Haskell Morse passed away Thursday after several months of medical complications.

Morse, 54, was a Hope native, born to Hulon and Mildred Dean Morse on July 1, 1965. Growing up in Hempstead County, Haskell enjoyed the outdoors and hunting. Haskell and his wife Sharon were married for 36 years and had three children, Brandy, Chris and Dolan. Morse supported his family working as a carpenter.

In 2014, Haskell made the decision to step into local politics, announcing his plan to run to replace retiring Judge Wallace Martin. Haskell broke with tradition in Hempstead County, running as a Republican and causing the decision for the winner of the 2014 election for County Judge to be decided in the November General Election, rather than in the Democrat Primary Election. Haskell won the election against Democrat opponent Dwayne Rowe, becoming the first Republican elected as Hempstead County Judge since Reconstruction 138 years earlier. Haskell went on to win reelection in 2016, serving two terms in office.   

Haskell’s funeral arrangements are being handled by Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home in Hope. Visitation is Saturday, October 5 from 6-8 p.m.