Joseph Albert Morris

Joseph was born on Mar 16, 1953, in Lafayette, LA, to Joseph Morris and Edna Williams and spent his youth in Opelousas, LA. Joseph joined the United States Air Force and worked as an aircraft propulsion technician until his retirement as a Technical Sergeant in Jacksonville, AR, in 1991. During his time in the service he married Karen Gould of Woonsocket, RI; their duty stations took them all over the world, including the Philippines and Japan. The couple had three children together and despite their divorce in 1991, Karen remained a dear friend. Joseph spent his later years in Ramstein, Germany, where he continued to work as an aircraft mechanic while enjoying the slower pace of life Germany had to offer. While there, he developed cherished friends that became part of his chosen family. He made the long journey back to the United States in August of 2022 and spent his last days in Fort Smith, AR, reunited with his loving family.

Papa Joe was known to be a somewhat quiet, deep-thinking man, yet he loved to laugh and joke. He enjoyed sitting outside and people-watching. He was a great cook and master griller, loved rhythm and blues music, and enjoyed playing chess, backgammon, and shooting pool. Joe was a hardworking man who would do anything for his family and friends, and even strangers. He enjoyed giving gifts to those he loved and knew how to make people feel special. He was very welcoming and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved recalling past memories and telling his favorite stories again and again, he was immensely loved and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his children — Katherine McElyea (Jay) of Cabot, AR, Susan Rodriguez (Christopher) of Ft. Smith, AR, and Russell Morris (Chloe) of Sherwood, AR. He has 6 grandchildren — Haydn (21), Devin (19), and Barrett McElyea (7) of Cabot and Ava (11), Christian (9), and Nora Rodriguez (6) of Ft. Smith.

Additionally, he is survived by his German family Roland and Petra Morlo and their daughter Jenni, and preceded in death by his companion Crysta Claren (d. 2016).

A memorial service will be held for family and friends at a later date near Little Rock Air Force Base.