Rev. Robert P. Morris

Reverend Robert P. Morris, 84, of Springfield, died at 1:22 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at St. Joseph’s Home. Robert was born September 19, 1923 in Springfield the son of Thomas F. and Helen Bridget Casey Morris. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, James J., Rev. John and Richard W. Morris and his sister Helen Frances Morris. Robert graduated from St. Agnes Grade School, Cathedral Boys High School, Springfield College in Illinois, and then Kenrick Seminary. Fr. Robert Morris was ordained to the priesthood on April 17, 1949 by Bishop William A. O’Connor at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. He offered his first Mass in St. Agnes Church, Springfield, on April 17, 1949. His first appointment was at St. Patrick’s Church in Pana and served as assistant from 1949-1951. He then was appointed to St. Joseph Church in Granite City from 1951-1955; St. Thomas in Decatur from 1955-1959; Our Saviour Church in Jacksonville from 1959-1961. He became the Pastor of St. Clare in Altamont from 1961-1966; St. Raymond in Raymond from 1966-1970; St. John in Carrollton from 1970-1976; Ss. Peter and Paul in Collinsville from 1976 until his retirement in 1999. He had served as parochial administrator from 1998-1999 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville. Robert is survived by his brother Thomas C. Morris of Springfield, his niece, Sheila A. (Michael) Noonan of Springfield, nephew James R. (Barbara) Morris of Springfield, great nephews Scott A. Noonan of Las Vegas, NV, Tim J., and Dan R. Morris both of Springfield, great nieces Laura Noonan of Springfield and Julie Noonan of Springfield, MO and several cousins. Friends may visit from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield. A prayer service will begin the visitation at 5 p.m. The Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Bishop Griffin Assembly will post an honor guard for Fr. Morris during his visitation. Concelebrated Funeral Mass will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at 10 a.m. with Most Reverend George J. Lucas, D.D. principal celebrant and the priests of the Springfield Diocese concelebrants. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Springfield.