Olen Morris

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Olen Morris, 91, of Monett, MO, passed from this life on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin following a decline in health.

Olen was born on January 21, 1934, in Pierce City, MO, son of the late Clayton and Inez (Chapman) Morris. Olen graduated from Pierce City High School with the class of 1951. He served his country in United States Army being honorably discharged and coming home to help his family with the farm extension center. In 1959, Olen began Morris Ditching Service, and for sixty-six years along with his son, the business still continues to operate. He was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Monett. He enjoyed attending auctions with his wife Berniece.

On February 7, 1958, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Pulaskifield, Olen was united in marriage to Berniece Bartkoski. They enjoyed sixty-three years of memories together. To this union, they were blessed with two children.

Olen is survived by his son, Ken Morris and wife Delorres, of Monett; two grandchildren, Brianna Morris of Monett and Zach Morris of Mt. Vernon; two brothers, Paul Ray Morris and wife Diane of Nebraska and Lonnie Morris and wife Frances of Skiatook, OK; one sister, Janice Hill of Greenfield, MO; brother-in-law, Joe Simmons of Joplin, MO; sister-in-law, Annabelle Morris of Wentworth, MO; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Olen was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Berniece; his daughter, Connie Morris; three brothers, Rolland, Glenn and Eugene; two sisters, Dora Gaydou and Bonnie Simmons.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Pulaskifield, MO. Father Paul Pudhota will be officiating. Interment will be in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions have been suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.