Larry Dean Morris

Larry Dean Morris, 70, of West Des Moines entered Heaven's Gates on Friday, January 3, 2020.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 10, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa. Family will greet friends following the service.

Larry was born December 10, 1949 to John and Wanda Morris in Amarillo, Texas. He graduated from Yale University in 1972 and SMU Law School in 1975. Larry married Sara Blong in 1977 in Dallas, Texas. Larry knew Sara was "the one” from their second date, and he cherished her all the days of his life. Together they are blessed with a beautiful family. Larry never met a stranger and everyone was invited to their home for a good meal and hearty conversation. Larry would do the inviting and Sara would do the cooking.

Larry loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ with all his heart, and sought to honor him in all that he did. He lived each day by faith and exhibited a generosity uncommon in this time. He overflowed with joy and his laugh was contagious. Larry never turned down a mission’s opportunity that would further the name of Jesus.

One of Larry’s most coveted roles was the one as “Papa” to his grandchildren. The laughter and joy when Papa came around was electric. He was adored by each of his grandchildren and he worked hard to make each one feel special.

Although he will be greatly missed, we are comforted knowing that he is in the BEST place and we will have the best family reunion in heaven. He never feared death, knowing that he would finally see Jesus face to face. Larry would want there to be no mourning, only Jesus Christ glorified. He would want all who read this to know the Savior whom he is living with now.

He is survived by his wife, Sara; three children, Ryan Morris and wife, Lesley of Aurora, Illinois, Hillary Valor and husband, Marty of Lantana, Texas and Erin Rose and husband, Dustin of Rhome, Texas; two brothers, Brad Morris and wife, Julie of Peachtree City, Georgia and Alan Morris and wife, Jean of Amarillo, Texas; seven grandchildren, Luke, Ian, Maya, Tenley, Teagan, Gage and Cody; and mother-in-law, Sophie Blong.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to the family for distribution to one of Larry’s favorite ministries. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

The final resting place of Larry’s cremated remains will be at Llano Cemetery in Amarillo, Texas at a later date.

"If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent." Psalm 91:9-10

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