Morris received most of his education in southeast Idaho, but because the family moved to Montana, he graduated from Florence Carlton High School. Morris continued his education at Central Utah Vocational School in Provo, UT by completing the program in diesel mechanics.
He was drafted into the army and sent to Fort Ord, California for basic training, then he went to Ft Devens, Massachusetts and became a radio operator. The Army sent him to Asmara Eritrea in Ethiopia where he used that skill.
Morris's sister arranged a blind date with Carol Ann Coy and they exchanged letters while he was in the military. After Morris was released from active duty and a short courtship, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 1, 1962. They are the parents of four fine sons and have 15 grandchildren.
Morris worked for Allis Chalmers in Ogden before moving to Salt Lake City to work for Pyramid Oil and Chevron Oil as a truck driver hauling petroleum products for several fuel distributors.
He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all his life. He served in many different callings from home teaching and backpacking with scouts to being a service missionary at the distribution center and an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple with his wife.
Morris had the ability to see when others could use his help. He didn't just walk the dog but also put people's newspapers on their porches. He would help family, friends and neighbors with their cars, bikes, lawn mowers, downed trees, pinewood derby cars and whatever else needed his attention. His sons learned many worthwhile and useful things as spent time with him.
Morris enjoyed reading, joking around with people, being in the mountains with family and drinking milk.
Morris is survived by his wife and four sons and their families: Richard and Tonja, Douglas and Laie, Samuel and Kathleen, and Troy and Rachel and 15 grandchildren. He is also survived by two younger siblings: Marilynn Crane and Joseph Preslar and his wife Jan.
He is preceded in death by his parents, a grandson Matthew, a brother-in-law, Jeffrey Crane and two sisters-in-law, Judy Coy, and Carolyn Coy.
Morris's family is deeply grateful to the staff at Sunrise Senior Living and Elevation Hospice for their loving service, friendship and kindness.
* * * * *
Troy's dad passed away early in May after a long and slow decline. It wasn't easy for anyone and I admire Troy for his support of his mom. It's hard to know what to write, actually, because this wasn't an easy relationship in Troy's life. So I think I'll just say that it's been a pleasure to love and support Carol since Morris's passing, and I'm happy that my sweet and good husband is doing well and is such a loving and kind man.
Grandpa Morris's services were very special. The day began with a viewing at the mortuary, and it was wonderful to see so many people lined up to support Carol and pay their respects. I think Carol was very surprised at how many people were there, and although I'm sure she felt overwhelmed and pretty tired, I hope that she was also lifted up by all the love and support.
Troy's family did not hold a traditional funeral. Instead, we gathered at the cemetery for a graveside service. It was a beautiful day in early May - sunny and warm but not too hot. Because Morris had served in the military, he was honored with two soldiers who stood guard as the casket was carried by sons and grandsons to a lovely spot, shaded by many trees in a quiet corner. The soldiers also played taps and presented Carol with a flag which had been draped over Morris's casket. That was very moving. Doug read a part of a letter from a neighbor to whom Morris had meant a lot. I felt like it was a lovely way to honor Morris.
After the funeral, Troy and I hosted everyone for some simple sandwiches and salads on our porch. We were trying to make it easy so for a while I thought we should gather at Carol's house because it was close by. But then we started talking about tables and chairs and I thought, DUH, what am I thinking??? We have a spot set up already. Although not everyone could make it, it was a really nice way to spend the afternoon together as a family.
No comments:
Post a Comment