He gave his life to Jesus at age 10 and was a devout Christian who attended church his entire life. He had a servant’s heart, went on several mission trips around the world, built multiple homes for Casas por Cristo in Juarez, designed and built ramps with First Baptist Church for disabled seniors in El Paso, and served as a Deacon for ten years. He desired to follow the teachings of Christ, and was eager to serve Him with his hands, making himself available for others, inviting people to church, and through daily Bible reading and study.
He met the love of his life, Judy when he was 19 years old, and it was love at first site, with AJ popping the question after only 3 dates. They were happily married in September of 1967 and brought four beautiful daughters into this world. AJ always said he was “surrounded by beauty his whole life”.
He joined the armed forces in 1966 at the ripe age of 20. He successfully completed the rigorous Navy Seal Training and became a Navy Seal serving on Seal Team 2 as an underwater demolition expert and served in a tour in Vietnam.
A.J. was a master at many tasks, a do-all fix-all kind of craftsman, and someone who anyone would want in their corner. He was always willing to help anyone who needed a hand and was the most unselfish person you could ever meet. A.J. always put the needs of others before his own, and his bride Judy said he lived his entire life serving her, with his goal to make her life as easy and happy as possible.
He retired from Union Pacific after 35 years of service as a railroad engineer. He was an accomplished musician, loved playing the drums, and he played in the Navy band and in several Christmas performances at the annual church pageant.
He was a devoted husband and father and was the best storyteller in the world. He had a way of making every tale so exciting. He loved playing with his daughters, taking them to feed the ducks, and ride their bikes. He loved taking his family to camp and fish, even though he spent the entire time re-baiting their fishing hooks, or untangling their lines, he was the happiest husband and daddy in the world. He had the best sense of humor, and a laugh that was absolutely contagious. Everyone who knew A.J. considered him a true friend.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy D. Morris; four daughters, Kimberly M. Felts (Casey) of Chandler, Arizona; Heather M. Fowler (Jake) of El Paso, Texas; Tammy M. Reissmann (Torsten) of Steinalben, Germany; and Julieanne M. Hall (Matt) of San Antonio, Texas; two nephews, Jim Maynard and Rick Maynard; two nieces, Cene Lyle and Cinda Carvalho; seven grandchildren, Joshua Fowler, Levi Felts, Faith Felts, Austin Reissmann, Zachary Fowler, Lena Lee Reissmann, and Whitney Hall.
He was preceded in death by his parents, AJ and Mary Morris; his sister, Suzanne Maynard; and his granddaughter, Judy Lynn Fowler.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2020 at Cielo Vista Church, 3585 Lee Trevino Drive, El Paso, Texas, with Committal Service to follow at 1300 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to The Gideons International for Bible distribution. PO Box 140800 Nashville, TN 37214, (615)564-5000; [email protected]
