Robert C. "Bob" Morris

Robert (Bob) Crain Morris, 97, of Kansas City, Missouri, died May 28. He was born May 31,1927 in Sedalia, Missouri. While he retired from the Kansas City Terminal Railway Company on disability more than 60 years ago, he had many roles throughout his life: son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend and neighbor. His talents were many and acquired over a full lifetime of experiences as a farmer, janitor, mailman, ticket agent, payroll clerk, mechanic, handyman, special agent and Army Corporal.

Bob grew of up on a farm near Sedalia, Missouri, the only child of William Jewell Morris and Nina Yaple Crain Morris. While living on the farm, Bob learned how to raise cattle, shear sheep, groom and ride horses and help his neighbors. He was most at home on a tractor cutting hay.

Having had all childhood-related diseases before he entered school, Bob managed to attend elementary school in the area’s one-room schoolhouse without logging a single tardy or sick day. Always an overachiever at the task at hand, Bob completed his elementary school in only seven years. When he continued his education at Smithton High School, he proved his prowess as a runner by beating every other student, an accomplishment that he repeated every year throughout high school. He once said that he practiced running through the pasture in heavy boots, so it made his feet feel very light when he laced up his spikes to run on the cinder track.

Shortly after high school, Bob was drafted into the Army, serving in the 106th Army Airway Communication Squadron Air Corps during World War II. During mandatory hikes at basic training, Bob exercised his entrepreneurial spirit. He bought a box of Hershey’s chocolate bars for 5 cents each and sold them for 10 cents each to his fellow servicemen as they became exhausted from their excursion. While his fellow recruits were hiking with full backpacks, his backpack became increasingly lighter as the day wore on.

After serving in the military for 18 months, Bob returned home to the farm, finding his parents in financial hardship. He immediately drove to Kansas City and secured a job within 24 hours. He began working at the Kansas City Terminal Railway Company. Serving in a variety of capacities during his 10 years, he worked in the ticket office, payroll department and as a special agent. While working at the railroad, Bob met the love of his life—Marcella Meier. Working in the same open-office area as Marcella, Bob would frequently shoot rubber bands at her, which would land on her desk and amuse her. Eventually, they began dating and married on June 6, 1959. The following year, they welcomed their first daughter—Nancy Ann. A few years later, their family grew to include another daughter—Linda Marie.

Always thinking that he would eventually return to Sedalia and take over the family farm, Bob had to change direction when he learned he had Multiple Sclerosis. Never one to let anything keep him down, Bob defied all odds. He not only survived for more than 60 years with the disease but also thrived. He led a full life with many family and friends. Everyone in the neighborhood knew him and called upon him for help with everything from snow removal and tree trimming to automotive and mechanical help. He also had a particular affinity for animals and children, both of which sensed his gentle, playful soul.

Except for his time in the service, Bob lived his entire life in Missouri. He was married for 53 years and delighted in family time, especially hearing about the adventures of his two grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, William Jewell and Nina Crain Morris as well as his beautiful bride Marcella Meier Morris. As a sign of his grit and fortitude even in the face of long-term health challenges, he outlived all of his contemporaries, including his brothers and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his daughters Nancy Morris and Linda (Arthur) Shaffer and two grandchildren, Logan and Victoria Shaffer. He also is survived by his dear cousin Rebecca (Donald) Garst of Marshall, Missouri and many nieces and nephews, whose lives he touched in countless ways.

Funeral arrangements will be at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation will be at 3 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 4 p.m. and military salute. Private burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery in Sedalia, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Kansas City Hospice House, which took loving care of Bob in his final days. For convenience, following is a link: https://kchospice.org/donate/