Gerald ""Gerry D. Morris

Gerald (“Gerry”) D. Morris, age 79, of Gering, NE, died on December 29th, 2011, at the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, CO. For those wishing to honor his memory, a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 4th, 2012, at 10:30 AM at the Dugan-Kramer Chapel in Scottsbluff, with Pastor Ed Hunzeker officiating. At Gerry’s request, the memorial service will be informal; casual dress is encouraged. Cremation has already taken place. Memorials are to donor’s choice. Gerry was born in Scottsbluff, NE, on June 11th, 1932 to Verne E. Morris and Dora (Wallace) Morris. He received his education from the Scottsbluff Public School System. In 1949, at the age of 17, he joined the Navy, being honorably discharged in 1953 after serving a 4-year term during the Korean War. He married Willa A. Goos of Gering on December 19th, 1953, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Scottsbluff. To this long and happy union, two children were born: Vicki L. Morris and David S. Morris. In the spring of 1954, Gerry joined the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served his country, including three tours in Vietnam, while moving up through the ranks to retire as a Chief Warrant Officer in September, 1970. He and his family returned to Scottsbluff and Gerry began a career with Frito-Lay, Inc. in 1971. After beginning as a Route Salesman and advancing to a Regional Operations Manager in Plano, TX, he retired from Frito-Lay, Inc. in 1987 and once again returned to Scottsbluff. Gerry was a member of the Elks, Eagles, and Masons. He also greatly enjoyed serving as an active volunteer for the Gering Senior Center. Gerry’s greatest love was his family and he always knew how to make them laugh or feel better. He also enjoyed fishing, solving all kinds of puzzles, and visiting with friends. Survivors include his wife, Willa, of Gering, NE; his daughter Vicki Bauer of Menlo Park, CA; his son Dave (Janice) Morris of Gering; brother George (Diane) Morris of Scottsbluff; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Ida Marie Melton and Wilma Jean Trupp.