Russell Thomas Morris 1931-2011

MORRIS, WHITE, OMSTEAD, HENTZ, GORDON, YAW

Posted By: Curtis (email)
Date: 4/25/2011 at 10:40:11

DEATH NOTICE:

(The Leon Journal-Reporter Leon, Iowa April 13, 2011)

MORRIS, RUSSELL THOMAS, 79, of rural Lamoni, Iowa, died on Monday, April 4, 2011, in Lamoni. Following cremation, Memorial Services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2011, at the Lamoni Community of Christ Church with elders Donn Henson and Ron Mickelson officiating. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Lamoni with Military Honors by Lamoni VFW Post # 6283. Arrangements were through Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home.

Obituary -

(The Leon Journal-Reporter Leon, Iowa April 13, 2011)

RUSSELL THOMAS MORRIS ... Russell Thomas Morris, age 79 of rural Lamoni, Iowa, son of Dale Raymond and Lillian Zelma [White] Morris, was born June 5, 1931 in Leon, Iowa. Lovingly cared for by his family, Russell died April 4,2011 in Lamoni.

Russell graduated from Leon High School in 1950, where he was active in football, basketball, and baseball.

He married Myrna Marie Omstead on March 9, 1953 at the R.L.D.S. Church in Lamoni. Shortly after that, Russell shipped out to Korea where he served in the U.S. Army. After his honorable discharge, Russell and Myrna lived a year in Los Angeles and then returned to Lamoni. Four children were born to Russell and Myrna: Michelle Louise, Sheryl Lynn, Michael Kenneth, and Patrick Russell.

Russell started in the custom agricultural fertilizer application business with his father-in-law, John Omstead. They enjoyed a good working relation ship, and Russell eventually purchased his own trucks. He hauled throughout southern Iowa and Northern Missouri. Russell took great pride in his work and knowing the farmers he served. He was a hard worker and good provider for his family.

Russell loved fast-pitch softball and pitched no-hitters well into his 40's. He taught all his children to pitch, and many family outings were traveling to several towns in one evening for Russell to pitch games. Russell had a "wicked release" off his hip and is remembered for giving everything his best.

He was an avid horseman and member of the Oxbow Company Wagon Club. Russell built his own Conestoga Wagon and participated in the Iowa State Fair Parades, many local events, and trail rides.

His life was enriched by his many lifelong friends and also by his Amish friends - spending long hours sharing beliefs and appreciation of their lifestyle. Russell loved to tease people and had a good sense of humor.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sister Ruth Morris in childhood; and brother Glenn Morris.

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Myrna Morris of Lamoni; his children: Michelle Morris of Lamoni, Sheryl Morris of fort Lauderdale, Florida, Michael Morris and Jill of Des Moines, Iowa, and Patrick Morris and wife Becki of Truro, Iowa; 3 grandchildren: Ryan Hentz of Fort Lauderdale, Natasha Morris of London, and Andrea Gordon and husband Nick of Saline, Michigan; great grandson Wyatt Gordon and great granddaughter Sydney Gordon; sister Clara Anne Yaw of Leon; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and many friends.