Sumner Burton Moorhous crossed the finish line in Albuquerque, NM, like he lived his life, in top gear with his foot to the floor. This unique “Moorhous SB”, limited edition model, was known affectionately to all who associated with him as Sub. Sub went through some upgrades and rebuilds over the last 77 years but remained era correct throughout his run.
Fresh off the production line in Omaha Nebraska, on June 2nd, 1940, Sub, who was also known as Sonny, was already prepared to show off his stuff. Whether fishing at his grandparent’s resorts, hanging with Grandpa Mac, or mugging for photos, he was a Dude. By the time his first build had finished he was sporting a heavier suspension and looking for new wheels.
With a long wheelbase and a 6’3” profile this model was distinctive for its booming voice and characteristic laugh. It was often compared to the throaty roar of the 60’s Mopar muscle cars, and in reality, it was not dissimilar. This was a distinction that he held with pride and an association that he kept up for years. Through his jobs and personal garage - there was always room for another car somewhere.
With only one Sub production model, it was hard not to miss it tearing up the roads in the Brainerd and Little Falls areas of Minnesota. With no similar models ever made, it was no wonder he attracted the attention of classic enthusiasts who were interested acquiring and garaging this big powerhouse. In 1959 he married Mary K. Wiatrak and shortly thereafter three junior models were put into production the WM, MK, & PA. But a model that was designed for the open road just can’t be kept in the driveway and he was soon out on the road again. In 1968 slight modifications were made to the ignition and fuel systems, and with a few body mods, pinks slips were exchanged. He married Jeanette Stiller Morse and two additional Moorhous derivatives were produced - the TL & DM models. But wild horses must run free. With the amount of horsepower under this models’ hood, side street burn-outs and weekend drags were not enough to keep it from longing for the open road and a wide-open throttle.
His rock and roll ramblings took him south to Texas for a time and then onto New Mexico where he continued his association with the Mopar clan, getting a few more upgrades in the process. These upgrades included a new timing chain, some work done on the EIC box, and a diagnosis of a soft throttle spring. While spending all that time in the shop he completed a merger with a service writer who could keep all his upgrades in order and remind him when it was time for oil changes, tire checks, etc. Saving the best for last, this culminated with his last big road-trip to Tombstone, AZ, where at Big-Nose Kate’s Saloon; he transferred title to Tootie Loyd. He continued to take short cruises, but started to enjoy the warm garage as more of his parts started to wear. In the end rust started to claim some of his panels, and then it spread to his frame, his oil filter gave out, there weren’t a lot of things left that could be rebuilt. Replacement parts just were no longer available for this exclusive model.
On September 25th, Sub was doing pre-race warm ups and a few burnouts. After one last major burnout he hit the gas and headed back toward the starting line. On September 26th he crossed his last finish line with his foot to the floor, his elbow out the window, and a smile on his face.
Sub, we’ll see you in the pits when we get there!
Sub is survived by his wife Martha Tootie Loyd; Children: William (Willy and/or Bill) Moorhous (Annemarie), Mary Kay (Kathy) Richter (Ron), Patricia A. (Patty) Asmus (Bob), Timothy L. (Tim) Moorhous, Dawn Marie (Moorhous) Rassett; Step-Children: Deb Larson (Roger), Blane Morse, Robyn Morse (widow of Todd), Julee Dry (Brad), Jodi Youngblood (fiancé Brent Wall); Grandchildren: Noelle Voss, Mike Moorhous, Ken Hage, Kayt Asmus (fiancé Brandon Soine), Korrie Asmus, Emily Scott; Step-Grandchildren: Ellie Berner, Chris Larson, Lindsay Hodges (Patrick), Jenifer Dry, Corey Dry, Mitchell Youngblood; Great-Grandson Nick Rewey. Preceded in death by his Grandparents Sumner Burton (Mac) and Kathryn Inez (Kit) McMasters; Parents Jay W. Tuttle/Earl Moorhous, Doris McMasters Komisary, and Step-Son Todd Morse.
Service Information:
The Gathering of family and friends will take place on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at:
Village Inn Stadium Event Center
3600 Hoffman Road
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
651-770-8670
villageinnstadium.com
10:30 a.m. – Welcoming Welcome family and friends.
11:30 a.m. – Service Officiated by Deacon Jerry Saladin
From The Church of the Blessed Sacrament
Family and friends, who wish to, can travel to the cemetery a few miles away. Or you may wait at the Village for us to return!
12:30 p.m. – Resting Lain to Rest with Grandpa Mac McMasters
Lakeview Cemetery
Mahtomedi, MN 55115
1:30 p.m. - Luncheon Please join us for a luncheon and enjoy some time together.
For anyone who we will be joining us, Sub was not fond of “dressing up” so in remembrance, please feel free to dress comfortably and casually. Yes – jeans are absolutely “acceptable attire”!!
Memorials are preferred to a Veterans organization of your choice. Please contact Patty Asmus at pattyasmus35@gmail.com with any questions regarding The Gathering.
Thank you,
The Family of Sub Moorhous