Raymond Morris
July 09, 2011
Raymond Morris, 81, passed away on July 9, 2011, at the Bright Kavanagh House in Des Moines.
A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2011, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, with a funeral service to begin at 12 p.m. noon. Burial will follow the service at Highland Memory Gardens.
Raymond Morris was born to Lloyd and Anna Morris on
December 30, 1929.
For most of his life, Ray was a Southsider. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman during the Korean War.
Ray married Ruth Close on June 11, 1954. They had two children, Mike in 1955 and Susan in 1958. Ray retired from the DM Fire Department after 40 years of service. He was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and he taught his kids and grandkids his love of nature.
Ray donated his time as a Shriner Circus Clown entertaining children. He was a volunteer in many organizations that benefited his community.
Ray was a dedicated husband and father. He was a very loving and active grandpa.
Ray was an Army M.P. during the Korean War. He served as a Des Moines Fire Fighter for forty years. For over fifty years, Ray was a member of the Shrine Firefighter Unit as well as a Mason. He was on the Board of Directors for the Golden Gloves for over fifty years and volunteered much of his time to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Ray is survived by his wife, Ruth; son, Michael (Barb) of Des Moines; daughter, Susan (Steve) Chopard of St. Charles; grandsons, Steven (Stacey), Scott and Sam Chopard and Brian (Rebecca) Morris; granddaughter, Amy (Matt) Ziska; five great-grandchildren; and his sister, Jean Davidson.
Memorials may be made to Bright Kavanagh House, the Iowa Fallen Firefighters Memorial or to the Des Moines Fire Department Honor Guard in memory of Ray.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Tim McKenna
07/15/2011
To Capt Mike Morris DMFD and family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I just have to tell you that your dad was one of the nicest guys I have ever met. As a new kid on the fire dept he made me feel very welcome. He is truly one of the best! It is sad for us. But as I had a chance to talk to my dad before he passed away. This isn't the end. Its until we meet again. Take Care.
Mike McMurry
07/11/2011
To Mike & the family of Ray: I am drinking a glass of wine and am hoisting it now to the memory of one (l) great guy. Mike McMurry
Sandra Haegele
07/11/2011
Sue, I am saddened to hear of the passing of your Father. From reading his obituary, he sounds like he was a very generous, kind man, and I'm sure you will miss him terribly. I pray that you will find comfort in the memories of him, and in the drawing together of your family as they say good-bye. God Bless, Sandy
Dolores Horton
07/11/2011
Ruth, I am thinking about you and your family. May God help guide you. Life is like a rose. The stem has thorns and will cause us pain but at the end of the stem you will find a beautiful flower. I am unable to put into words how deep my heart hurts for you. With love, Dolores Horton (Dick)passed 12-15-2002
Cathi Huitt
07/11/2011
I am very sorry for your loss. I know that Ray was a good man, Justin alway spoke very highly of him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerly,
Cathi Huitt