Morris Taft

Morris Joseph Taft was born to Thaddeus Stevens Taft from Kansas City, Kansas and Sydonia Elma Taft from New Orleans, Louisiana on October 2, 1932 in Los Angeles, Ca. He was baptized, raised Catholic and was an Altar Boy and Boy Scout in his youth. He attended St Patrick’s Elementary School, Jr High at John Adams and John H. Francis Polytechnic High School and was always very outgoing and popular. He was a member of the “Knights” organization for honor students and also a Student Body Officer. He was an outstanding athlete and lettered in every sport offered in High School. He continued his education at Compton College where he was scouted and recruited by John Wooden to play for UCLA. There, he was a three-year Letterman and two year starting guard. He was the Star starting guard for John Wooden first undefeated league team (1955-1956). He was also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. He married Jeanne Marie Rouzan and had 3 children: Paula, Monisa, and Morris Jr. After UCLA, Morris was drafted to the NBA’s St. Louis Hawks. Morris went on to work for Brand Motors selling automobiles and became successful life insurance agent and District Manager for Equitable Life Insurance. He had a gift for relating to children shown by how much they loved and will remember him. Morris is preceded in death by his father Thaddeus Taft Sr., brother Thaddeus Taft Jr. Thaddeus (Stevie) Taft III, and mother Sydonia Taylor. Morris leaves behind those who will cherish his memory: Uncle J.Y. Mills, daughters Paula and Monisa (Mimi), son Morris Jr. as well as grandchildren Krista and Jeffrey, nieces Lynda, Sherron, Angie, Nicole, nephews Christopher, Joe III, Terry, Brodney, many cousins, relatives and loving friends. The family thanks you all for your kind words, concern, cards, phone calls, flowers, and thoughtfulness. Donations can be made in the name of Morris Taft Sr. to the following organizations: Arthritis National Research Foundation www.curearthritis.org 1-800-588-2873 Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, www.cureaiz.org 1-781-237-3800