Gordon Lee Morris

Born February 21, 1938 in Pekin to Roy Everett and Lucille Marie (Thurman) Morris, he married Betty Jean Oakley on March 9, 1969. She preceded him in death in 2009.

Gordon was baptized in the Christian Church in 1973.

Surviving are his children, Debby (Dennis) Hoehn of Pharr, Texas, Teresa (Richard) Sebelist of Pekin, Gordon Lee (Sherry) Morris of Pekin, Lissa (Mike) Angus of San Diego, California, Tammy (Ron) Payne of Springfield, and Rhonda (Mike) Howard of Pekin; sisters-in-law, Gladys Morris and Janice Shehorn; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; and his beloved companion, Nia Pirnat.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Lucille; wife Betty; two brothers, James Morris and Richard Morris; sister, Donna (Raymond) Autrey; daughter, Helen "DeeDee" Stephens; son, Lammone Anouraj; and granddaughter, Jeanne Rae Stephens.

Gordon served in the United Stated Navy from 1956-1960 as an air traffic controller.

He worked for the TP&W railroad and CB&Q railroad, both for a total of 7 years. He then worked for the C&IM Railroad in Springfield for 22 years, retiring in 1992. He later worked for several area cemeteries for 4 years, including Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin as the manager. Gordon and Betty had also owned and operated the Normandy Club in Pekin for several years.

He was a member and past commander of the George Maple Memorial Amvets Post #235 in Pekin. He also was a past division commander for Amvets Division 3. He had served as police chief in South Pekin during the 1960's. His children were his biggest asset and reward. He was a talented artist and musician and enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, with full military honors.

Gordon's family would like to thank the staff of Carle Health Methodist Hospital and Hospice for the love and care they showed him and our family.

Memorial contributions may be made to AMVETS Post #169, 660 Radio City Drive, North Pekin, Illinois 61554.