Press-Enterprise -- Cpl. Jason W. Morrow's love of baseball prompted him to pop the question to wife Evelyn on the field at Angel Stadium of Anaheim last year.

The Riverside Marine's love of country carried him through three tours in Iraq.

Morrow died Tuesday in combat against enemy forces in Iraq's Al Anbar Province, officials said. He was 27.

Morrow joined the Marine Corps on Dec. 9, 2002, and was a machine gunner assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Pendleton, officials said.

William Morrow said he last spoke to his son the Monday after Father's Day. Jason had been home in February for a visit and was expected to make a return trip to Riverside in 35 days, he said.

William Morrow said he got word in person of his son's death at 5 a.m. Tuesday morning and said while the family is "devastated" by the loss, they are proud of Jason's service.

"I'm very proud that he was a Marine and served our country," he said. "I have no regrets at all. ... We come from a military family."

William Morrow said not only was Jason in the military, but he has a daughter and a son-in-law in the Navy and another son-in-law in the Marines.

Jason Morrow's medals include the Iraq Campaign, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, Global War on Terrorism Service, Marine Corps Good Conduct, and National Defense Service. He also earned Combat Action and Sea Service Deployment ribbons, officials said.

William Morrow described his son as family oriented and a sports enthusiast who loved to surf and golf. The 1998 graduate of Buena Vista High School in Corona also had attended La Sierra High School and wrestled, and played baseball and football, William Morrow said.

Jason Morrow lived another dream last year when he threw the opening pitch at an Angels versus White Sox game, his dad said.

Besides wife Evelyn and dad William, Jason Morrow is survived by his mother, Kristin; sisters Katie, Renee, Stephanie and Ashley, and brother Garrett.

Funeral services are pending.