Powell Dewitt Morris

Powell DeWitt Hottan Morris was born in Santa Ana, California, on August 3, 1948, to the late Robert Morris and Mary Banks, both Kansas natives. He established his roots in Fullerton and was raised by Euredell "Dell" Oliver. Under Dell's love and guidance, Powell grew into the brother, father, grandfather, and friend, that we all remember today. His large family consisted of five brothers; Gary, Donnie, Robert “Boots”, Muckleroy, and Kenny, and three sisters; Cynthia, Gloria “Glo”, and Louise “Weez”. As a youth, he found great enjoyment playing pop-warner football and spent hours, upon hours, at the local boys and girls club, honing his ping-pong skills. Shortly after graduating high school, he reported to City Hall to find his name typed on a wall amongst hundreds of other to-be-inductees. He had been drafted for the Vietnam War; he was only 19 years old.

He was inducted to the United States Army in May 1968 and was deployed overseas. His band of brothers were the 101st Airborne Division, a.k.a. the “Screaming Eagles”, where he quickly garnered the nickname “Mo”. He fought with the “Screaming Eagles” for over five months, before being wounded in combat. After a long recovery, he was discharged honorably as a Specialist 4 in January 1970. His efforts and bravery upon the battlefield earned him a purple heart. The young Vietnam Vet made his way back to Orange County and worked under his father’s auto body shop, where he found a penchant for the Ford Galaxie with white walls. Later that same year, under the guidance and advice of his Cousin Walt, “Mo” signed his life away to another government agency, the United States Postal Service.

In 1974, Powell’s first child, and daughter, Anitra was born. In 1979, he married Debra ”Debby” Goron, and had his first son, Jon. Two years later, their second son, Jerald, was born. The family then moved to Corona, where their third son Kevin was born. His work with the post office, took him, Debby, and the boys, to a new city named Sunnymead, now Moreno Valley, where he spent the rest of his years. He enjoyed fishing with his family, from Lake Perris, to the Salton Sea, with an occasionally trip to the coast for deep sea charters, and was a familiar face at the Morris Family picnics.

His tour of duty with the post office ended in 2003, after working for 33 years. He enjoyed his remaining years in retirement making new friends, being a good neighbor, and spending time with his family.

Powell and Debby’s union lasted over 40 years, until her passing in May 2019.

Powell was a genuine and kind-hearted soul, who held many roles in our lives.

A soldier. A veteran. A committed husband, a dedicated father, a hard-working dad, and a caring, and ever so thoughtful, grandfather. He was a fun-loving brother, a jokester, and a trustworthy friend. But, above all, he was a person who treated everyone with high-regard and respect. A man who made friends everywhere he went and would always lend a helping hand.

May you Rest in Eternal Peace.

Powell is survived by his brother Boots, and his sisters, Cynthia, Glo, and Weez. His daughter Anitra is happily married to Gregory Canada, Sr., and share Powell’s grandsons, Grant (age 17) and Graeme (age 9). The Canadas reside in Georgia. His eldest son Jon resides with his family in Corona. Kevin and his wife Kristina share Powell’s granddaughters, Sophia (age 7) and Penelope (age 5), and reside in Riverside.