Donald R. "Moto" Morris

Donald R “Moto” Morris passed away peacefully November 9, 2021 after 89 years of a life extraordinarily well-lived. Born September 8, 1932 at Coleman hospital in Indianapolis, he was the son of Ralph D and Evelyn C Morris. Moto was a joyful, entertaining and memorable character, who valued friendships and built lifelong relationships with countless others in all periods of his life. As a youth, he attended IPS Schools 86 and 43 while roaming the streets of his Butler Tarkington neighborhood with friends whom he has counted as close throughout his life. As a 1950 graduate of Shortridge High School, he built a vast network of friends and continued his connection with his beloved school by attending many class reunions over seven decades, sharing his stories of fun and frivolity during those simpler times. Moto graduated from Indiana University in 1954 with a degree in Marketing. While many would count graduation as the pinnacle of the collegiate experience, his greatest accomplishment was convincing his wonderful wife, Irma, whom he met on campus freshman year, to marry him while other suitors were in strong pursuit. When asked why she decided he was the one, Irma immediately confirms it was his sense of humor that won her over. As newlyweds in 1955, they truly enjoyed Moto’s military assignment in Fairbanks, Alaska, serving with the troops and protecting the Northern Front. Again, another time and place where friendships flourished. Returning to Indianapolis in 1957, Moto joined his father Ralph in the wholesale furniture business representing residential manufacturers for over 38 years. There is not a stretch of highway, county road or main street in all of Indiana and Ohio he has not traveled, delivering his wildly entertaining sales pitches to furniture dealers large and small, while making friends and building a successful business with them all. It’s an accomplishment he readily admits would have been impossible without Irma’s ability to manage the home front and the activities and antics of three sons. Family was Moto’s highest priority in life. He was deeply proud of his boys and made certain no matter where he was on the road in his Buick Electra 225 or Lincoln Town car, he would not miss their school activities, sporting events, etc. From wherever he was at the end of the Summer work week, he would travel to his favorite place in the world, Lake Wawasee. He purchased the family lake cottage in 1968, upon hearing of its listing from a Shortridge classmate. With very few resources and a leap of faith, Moto and Irma created a destination that has provided family and friends with fond memories of togetherness for three generations. One of many memories would be Moto’s legendary under cover, early morning, surprise doughnut deliveries to friends…”GBF”. Moto was past President of the IN Home Furnishings Club, a member of the Indianapolis Downtown Rotary Club, the Murat Shrine Club and Beta Theta Pi. His most cherished association is with The Junto of Indianapolis for 53 years, where he was past President and Emeritus member. He truly loved The Junto for the friendships he built and the knowledge he gained from such a diverse group of individuals. In addition to his parents, Moto is preceded in death by his sister, Luanne Chamness and will be greatly missed by his wife, Irma, and sons Doug (Beth), Dan (Joanie) and Donnie (Tonya). True to form, Moto entertained his grandchildren with stories and jokes from his bed in hospice care. They are Abby, Andy, Mitch, Reece, Annie, Ryan and Kate Morris. As he wished, there will be no visitation or funeral, however you are invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com where you can share a personal memory of Moto. Perhaps, a future gathering is on the horizon. Given his love for The Lake, donations in his memory may be made to the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, dedicated to the protection and preservation of our lakes and watershed for present and future generations; http://wacf.com/support/