Morris was born on April 21, 1925 in Columbus to Morris and Jeannette (Stadler) Loeb. His grandfather was the late Sol Loeb who was instrumental in the reconstruction of the Columbus area after the Civil War. Morris lived in Columbus most of his life.
He received his education in the Columbus public schools, Columbus High School, and the University of Alabama. He served with the engineers in France in World War II.
Morris was associated with the Sol Loeb Company for over 50 years, where he served as president and CEO. The company had been established in 1868 by his paternal grandfather. Morris valued the employees, many who had been with the company all or most of their working lives.
He was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Columbus, a director of NATD, a member of the Georgia Wholesale Grocers’ Association, and a member of Temple Israel. He served as a volunteer at Wynnton Neighborhood Network for several years.
Morris enjoyed and participated in sports his entire life, namely football and handball. He learned to play tennis at the age of 73 and played it for another 10 years. He loved fishing, boating, and water sports, especially skiing. He was responsible for teaching a number of young people how to ski. Morris learned how to ballroom dance, and that’s where he met his future wife. He and his wife, Wylene, were members of the Mr. and Mrs. dance club for 18 years. Morris learned to play and excellent game of bridge at College and played for many years with friends in several bridge groups.
Morris was known for his generosity, kindness and sweet spirit. His sister, Betty Loeb Steinhauser and her husband, Chuck, predeceased him.
Morris is survived by his loving wife Wylene (also known as “Precious”), his two nephews and their families Fred and Janis Steinhauser of Columbus and their children and grandchildren as well as Larry and Ann Steinhouser of Amherst, Massachusetts and their children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a nephew, Charles Steinhouser of Owings Mills, Maryland. Charles’ daughter, Morgan still lives in the area.
He was the stepfather to Wylene’s three children, David Kitchens (Linda Outlaw) of Atlanta and Balsam, NC, Suzanne (Roy) Roberson of Auburn, AL, and Ginger (J.B.) Reid of Loganville, GA.
He was known as “papa” to his step-grandchildren who loved and adored him, Scott (Sarah) Kitchens of Denver, CO, Katie (Corey) Winstead of Asheville, NC, Julie O’Toole of Cumming, GA, Jennifer (Rick) Navickas of Auburn, AL, Sydney Reid of Columbus, GA, and Gabby Reid of Loganville, GA. also step-great grandchildren, Kit Roberson, Aiden and Jackson Navickas of Auburn, AL, Ansley and Ethan O’Toole of Cumming, GA, Lily Winstead of Ashville, NC, and Ruby and Rowe Kitchens of Denver, CO.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, St. Elmo Chapel, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907 on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 12:30PM. Family will visit with friends following the chapel service at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Mill Room.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Morris’ favorite charities, Wynnton Neighborhood Network or the Salvation Army.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Loeb family.
