Lt. Bernard G. Morris

Kind, generous and humble, Bernie was born Jan. 11, 1927, in Manhattan, Kansas, the son of Alva and Louise Morris. He was the fourth oldest in a farming family made up of seven boys and two girls.

In 1946, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for almost 22 years, and was on the USS Juneau at the 38th Parallel when the first shots were fired in the Korean War. All six of his brothers also served in the Navy, and between them they had 117 years of service.

He met his bride, Betty Jean Hartzog, while stationed in Jacksonville. They married in 1954, and by 1960 they had four children.

After retiring from the Navy in 1967, Bernie worked as a safety inspector for Continental Insurance until his retirement.

After Betty’s death in 1992, he married his second wife, Hazel, in 1994.

Bernie loved spending time with his family and friends. All were blessed by his generous spirit, subtle sarcasm and enjoyment of a good joke.

He enjoyed do-it-yourself projects, and shared his talents to improve his kids’ homes with everything from new kitchen cabinets to irrigation. He also regularly donated his time around his community to help those who needed something fixed. His favorite carpentry project was creating rocking burros for his 7 grandchildren and, just last Christmas, for his youngest great-grandson.

He was a skilled gardener, and his large courtyard overflowed with orchids, hanging vines and tomatoes.

He also loved drinking hot tea, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and watching sports – anything from NASCAR to golf to football to basketball. In his earlier years, he was an excellent bowler and still has the trophies to prove it.

Staunchly independent, and maybe just a little bit stubborn, he drove his car until just a few weeks before his death.

Bernie was pre-deceased by his parents, Alva and Louise Morris; his first wife, Betty Jean; his second wife, Hazel; and his son-in-law, Patrick Flood.

He is survived by his children (and spouses): Dennis Morris (Wanda), Denise Hammond (Michael), Patricia Flood (Patrick, deceased), Betty Jo Weyer (Billy), and his step-daughter Jean Yanda (Joe).

He is also survived by his grandchildren (and spouses): Daniel Flood (Courtney), Bernard Flood (Heather), William Weyer, Michael Weyer, Brooke Schnitker (Matt), Lydia Hammond, Elliott Hammond, Dean Yanda (Emily), Jessica Smith (Jon) and Amanda Cross (Casey), Patrick Flood (Brooke) and Kathy Flood.

He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Hunter Flood, Makayla Flood, Lennex Schnitker, Ayden Yanda, Ella Yanda, Ceth Flood, Sophia Flood and Ryleigh Flood.

The family is celebrating his life in a private service Monday, Sept. 14, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Gotha. He is being buried with full military honors, including a 21-gun salute.

We will miss his sense of humor, generous spirit, and his undying and passionate devotion to his family.