Larry T. Morris

January 10, 1940 – August 20, 2010

At 70 years old, Larry died suddenly last Friday in a Rehab. Center in Atwater, California, thus losing his 1 ½+ year long fight against cancer. Those who saw him in his last days thought that he was improving and had a good chance to beat or forestall this dreaded disease. He was with family and said this Friday had been good. He was talking about one of his favorite subjects, western movies and the actors who starred in them. He loved cowboy movies and often commented that he was born too late and wished he had lived 100 years ago in Americas’ old west. Over his life he had accumulated an extensive collection of “Oater” Movies. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his Harley, and was an avid football fan (especially NFL 49er’s and Oklahoma College teams). He knew no strangers when it came to discussing football.

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Willis T. Morris and Eva L. Morris, nee Honeycutt. He was the middle son of three. He attended Longfellow Elementary and Horace Mann Junior High schools before moving to San Francisco, California and spending the majority of his teen years there with his then divorced mother. He volunteered for the draft into the United States Army during the early 1960’s and was stationed at fort Carson, Colorado. The military kept him in a readily mobile strike force able to move anywhere in the world on short notice. He served honorably and was discharged as a Spec’4 in 1963. After a short time in Oklahoma with family, he returned to the San Francisco Bay area and started working for the Newspaper Industry as a District Manager. He met and married Claudia Bandy, resulting in the birth of daughter, Tracy in 1966, and son Craig in 1972. He worked 26 years for the San Francisco Chronicle/Examiner Newspaper and, early in his career attended San Jose Adult Night School and completed his High School education. Meanwhile his in-laws moved to the San Joaquin Valley near Livingston, California on an acreage. Larry loved to visit the Bandy’s and assist with the almond orchards. In 1981, Larry and Claudia tragically lost their 8 year old son Craig in a traffic accident. After years of dreaming, Larry and spouse retired and made his much desired move to a ranch just outside of Chowchilla, California. His marriage only lasted a few years thereafter and he came to live in Merced. He did make short moves to La Grange, CA and Arkansas near Rosebud, but always returned to Merced, California, where he lived to date.

He was preceded in death by his father, Willis Transue Morris, 48 yrs., of Tulsa, Ok, on July 12, 1966; aunts and uncles, Eugene and Betty Honeycutt of Tulsa, OK, Roy Lee & Lucretia Stanley, nee Wolfe of Prairie Grove, AK, Roy M. & Ruby Wolfe of Muskogee, OK, Jim & Madelyn Merriman, nee Honeycutt, of Sweeney, TX; cousins, Leon Aldridge of Oxnard, CA, Dennis Stanley of Prairie Grove, AK, Ricky Smith of Kansas City, MO, KIA Vietnam, 1968; father & mother-in-law, Claude & Lois Bandy of Chowchilla/Merced, CA.

He is survived by his mother, Eva Thomas of Merced, CA; daughter, Tracy Sousa, nee Morris; son-in-law, Louis Sousa; granddaughter, Marissa; grandson, C.J. and Louis’ mother, Louise, all of Santa Clara, CA; brothers, Art Morris of Atwater and Norman Morris of NC; step-sister, Marilyn Neal, nee Hendricks, missing in Mexico; nieces and nephews, David and Dana Hobbs, nee Morris, et al, of Auburn, CA, Andy, Jeff, April & Hope Morris, et al, of NC, Jason Bandy of Chowchilla, Mindy Bandy, et al, of Japan (formerly of Chowchilla); aunt, Marry Etta, nee Wolfe of Muskogee, OK; cousins, Ron and Donna Robins, nee Honeycutt, et al, of Tulsa, OK, Connie Brown, nee Stanley of Muskogee, OK, Joyce, nee Stanley of Prairie Grove, AK, Chuck Stanley of Prairie Grove, AK, Bill Jo, nee Merriman of TX, Wanda Sue, nee Merriman of TX, Judy, nee Merriman of TX, Sharon, nee Smith of Kansas City, MO; brothers and sister-in-law (still held close as family); Lee and Joanne Bandy of Chowchilla, CA, Harvey Bandy, et al, of Sacramento, CA.

The family would like to thank all the friends who visited and wished him well, both in the hospital and rehab. You really made a difference in his demeanor. Please dress comfortably to come and say farewell. Larry will be dressed comfortable for the services, and for his final rest beside Craig, his beloved 8 year old son.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 27, 2010 from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with a Chapel Service from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street, Merced, CA. Graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2010 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Los Gatos Memorial Park, 2255 Los Gatos Almaden Road in San Jose, CA.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.