John Cole Morrison

John Cole Morrison, 91, of Columbus passed away on September 24, 2020 at Four Seasons Health Center shortly after being diagnosed with lymphoma. He died so peacefully with his children by his side, holding his hand.

John was born on October 17, 1928 in North Adams, Massachusetts, the son of Clifton Cole and Lois MacPhail Morrison. As a young boy they moved to Brooklyn, New York where he attended elementary school. Many summers were spent frolicking in the water at the family's camp, Morrison Island on Squam Lake in Ashland, New Hampshire.

After the untimely passing of his father, John and his mother moved to New Albany, then to Columbus, Indiana. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1947. After graduation and hitchhiking to the island with his good friend Bill Mahoney, John received his draft notice via mail boat there, calling him to serve in the United States Army. Upon arrival home, he discovered he's been drafted by the United States Navy as well. He went on to proudly serve in the US Army and the US Navy Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1952. He returned home and attended Indiana University.

In high school, he met Mary Jane Thurston and they were wed on October 25, 1952 at First Christian Church in Columbus. They would go on to share 64 glorious years as husband and wife, before her passing on September 20, 2016. They loved to travel, continuing the tradition of summers on the island, including introducing it to their son, Andrew Cole Morrison whom they welcomed in 1966.

John worked for over 25 years on the railroad at both the Columbus and Seymour Stations. Upon the closure of the Seymour station, he retired from there and began his career at Cummins. He worked in the fuel systems department for over 20 years before retiring in 1995. Then, he was able to enjoy many of his hobbies including snow skiing, fishing, wine making, traveling, and playing bridge. He continued to play

He was also a mischievous one with quite a sense of humor which, according to his nurses, was still in evidence until the very end. In addition to his sense of humor, John had a deep sense of compassion, often doing things for others anonymously. From making sure every child he coached on the Biddy basketball team had money for an after game Coke to taking in a homeless child while working at the railroad, he preferred to help in a quiet way; just wanting to make life easier for others.

John leaves behind his children; son, Andrew and daughter in law Heather of Columbus; nephew, Jim Simmons of Osh Kosh, WI; great nephew, Solon (Andrea) Simmons; and great-great nieces, Alessandra and Gabriella, all of Falls Church, VA; his crazy cat, Maggie; and many friends. They will all miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane; his parents; sister in law, Betty Rutan; and niece, Joan Simmons.

John touched every person he ever met, leaving them with memories for a lifetime.

A Celebration of John's Life will be held Saturday, October 10 at 3 p.m. at Myers-Reed Chapel officiated by Annette Barnes, with military honors by the Bartholomew County Honor Guard. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Memorial Contributions in his name may be made to the Salvation Army.

In keeping with Indiana Guidelines, social distancing must be followed and masks are required

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.Myers-Reed.com.

Myers-Reed Chapel is serving the Morrison family.tinued to play