Final ''Departures'' of the Famous

About the Book

This book briefly recapitulates the deaths and lives of famous personalities who left a lasting imprint on many people throughout the world.  Perhaps the most famous were the Princess of Wales Diana and Mother Teresa.  Both beloved personalities made immense charitable contributions to the destitute and unloved and will forever be revered.

Sonny Bono of “Sonny and Cher” fame made significant contributions in television and in Congress.  Oscar winning, tempestuous and soft Frank Sinatra, perhaps America’s greatest saloon singer, had successful careers in films, television, stage and recordings.  Religious Roy Rogers succeeded Gene Autry as “King of the Cowboys” and starred in western movies, on television and the stage as a member of “Sons of the Pioneers.” Robert Young, a journeyman actor, starred in films, but achieved fabulous fame on television in “Father Knows Best” and “Marcus Welby, M. D.”

Alan Shephard, Jr. achieved instant fame as America’s First Astronaut on “Mercury 7” and later commanded “Apollo 14.” Gene Autry, America’s “First Singing Cowboy,” succeeded in movies, films, television, rodeos and in business.  His television shows “Melody Ranch” and “The Gene Autry Show” were extremely popular.  His achievements in business are legendary especially ownership of the “California Angels” baseball team. Along with Roy Rogers, he was the same hero in “reel and real” life.

Joe DiMaggio was famous for his exploits as a member of the New York Yankees and marriage to Marilyn Monroe.  His record of hitting safely in 56 straight games still stands.  The “Yankee Clipper” was a very private man who refused to reveal intimacies with Marilyn despite offers of a king’s ransom.  Mel Torme, supreme songwriter, composer, singer, author and actor lived a full life.  The “Velvet Fog” will always be remembered, along with Wells, for composing “The Christmas Song.”

Charles “Pete” Conrad was the third man to walk on the moon. He commanded Gemini 11 and Apollo 12.  Conrad was well liked for his sense of humor and his vision for making lunar flights a common business occurrence. The startling passing of JFK, Jr. or “John John,” wife Carolyn and Lauren Bessette were cut short in a plane crash that stunned America.  Their brief, exciting lives are described with feeling and pathos.    

The format consists of both narration and versification in the form of five-line verses that reflect highlights in the journeys of the famous through life, freely sprinkled with humor, pathos and sensitivity.

About the Author

Robert R. Morman was born in Lansford, PA. He served in the USN as Chief Yeoman during WWII and later joined the USAFR where he retired as a Major. He received the B. A., M. A. and Ph. D. degrees in psychology (USC, 1955). His work experience included positions like research psychologist, counseling psychologist, professor of psychology and education at CSULA. Subjects taught included counseling, tests & measurements, statistics, research, thesis and related. He also consulted on research and statistical projects. Publications encompassed numerous articles on counseling, automation, statistics and test validation plus books on a vocational test battery. In addition, books on Clinton’s plans for “changing” America, UNAmericanization and his impeachment and trial were also published.