Victor Edward Morris

Our beloved husband, father, father in-law, Papa, Great Papa, brother and friend, LTC Victor E. Morris (Ret.), United States Air Force) took his last flight on 8February 2016 surrounded by his family. Born in Butler, PA to Nellie Di Falco and Eduardo Mura on 11 October 1920 and was raised in Ellwood City, Pa before entering the Army Air Corps to serve his country. Victor was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years Elizabeth (Betty), his parents and his step father Raymond Di Falco. He is survived by his five children; M/Sgt (Ret.) Victor B. Morris, Illinois State Police and his wife Karen; Maj. (Ret.) Timothy J. Morris, United States Air Force and his wife Sandi; Maj. (Ret.) Mark L. Morris, United States Army, Medical Service Corps and his wife Kathleen; Christopher J. Morris and his wife Dolores; Rebekah Cruz and her husband Raymond; 12 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Stella, Olga and Edith of Ellwood City, PA.

Dad was a WWII and 20-year highly decorated veteran of the United States Air Force. During the war, he and his crew were shot down over Tokyo Japan where he survived the horrors of being held captive in a Japanese POW camp; a true American patriot. Upon his retirement from active duty, Victor continued to serve his country for 32 years as a civil servant attaining the grade of GM15 and Director of Aircraft Maintenance for the C-5 and C-141 aircraft programs for the former Military Airlift Command (MAC), now known as the Air Mobility Command (AMC) at Scott AFB.

Our father is an exemplary American hero who shaped the lives of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and anyone with whom he came in direct contact. They were all affected by his dedication, love and compassion. He will be missed greatly by all.

Services: Services have been entrusted to Lakeview Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, 5000 N Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL.

Visitation will take place on 11 February 2016 from 10 am until noon with services to commence at 12 with full military honors. Burial will take place at Lakeview Memorial Gardens with a reception to follow. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.