Mr. Henry Paul “Hank” Morris, U.S.N. Ret. a.k.a. "Papa", 85, of Joplin, Missouri, departed this life on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, in the comfort of his home, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Hank began his earthly journey on January 13, 1930, in Thayer, Kansas, one of ten children born to the late Milton DeKalb and Anna Christine (Krashoc) Morris. He was raised and attended school in St. Paul, Kansas. On June 14, 1948, at the age of eighteen, Hank enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country faithfully for twenty years to the day, honorably retiring as Radioman Chief (E7) on June 14, 1968. After his military career, he began employment with Eagle Picher Industries, spanning another twenty years during which time he attended night classes and earned his degree from Columbia College. Achieving two retirements, Hank was not finished working. For several years he opened the Joplin Family Y each morning at 5:00 a.m., affectionately known as the “Front Desk Friend” to many. Hank truly loved and believed in his family and was so proud of them all. He was kind, generous, and patriotic. He was adventurous, always enjoyed a challenge, and learning new things. He was wise, witty, and fun loving. Papa took nothing for granted and lived every day in gratitude. He was a faithful and faith filled man who loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, working in his yard and winning 5593 consecutive free cell games on his computer. He was a devout member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, American Legion Post #13, and was former Vice President of the Fleet Reserve Association Branch #315.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John and Tom Morris; and three sisters, Frances Boyer, Alice Harrison and Carol Grove.
On June 23, 1956, at St. Patrick's in Parsons, Kansas, he was united in marriage to his true love June Marilyn Utterback and to this union three sons and one daughter were born. His loving wife of fifty-nine years, June Morris, survives of the home. Additional survivors include his three sons, Martin Morris and wife, Karen, of Boerne, Texas, Marvin Morris and wife, Carrie, of Kirkland, Washington and Mark Morris and wife, Teresa, of Joplin; a daughter, Marci Morris-Stoebel also of Joplin; six grandchildren, Tori Morris, Chloe Morris, Jack Morris, Sophie Morris-Stoebel and Oliver & Maxwell Morris; three sisters, Gladys LaForge of Parsons, Kansas, Barbara Quirin of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Patricia Walker of Chandler, Arizona; a brother, Robert Morris of Valley Center, Kansas; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other family and friends.
A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday morning, July 21, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Joplin, Missouri with Father J. Friedel officiating. Rosary will be recited on Monday evening at 6:00 p.m. with visitation to follow until 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Martin Morris, Marvin Morris, Mark Morris, Jack Morris, Jerry Walker, and Kevin Nolte. Memorials are being directed to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Joplin Area Catholic Schools c/o the mortuary. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our websitewww.thornhilldillon.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.
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