John Steven Morris

“Bud” (deceased) and Arnella Morris (deceased). Steve was raised in Columbus, Ohio graduating from Mifflin High School in 1965. After graduation, Steve chose to study at Columbus State University. While at Columbus State he enlisted in the Air Force where he was stationed in Thailand, Germany, and England. After serving four years and receiving several honors as a firefighter and a honorable discharge Steve attended Franklin University where he earned a bachelor degree in business administration. While at Franklin State Steve met his first wife, Pat Kieffer. They had two children, (son) Andrew, and (daughter) Molly, soon thereafter they settled in Westerville, Ohio. While in Westerville Steve was one of the first full time firefighters hired. He was conducive in the formation of Westerville’s emergency management protocol and achieved the rank of lieutenant. This is where Steve recognized his passion for amalgamation and was hired as Asst. City Manager. Soon after, Steve took a job in Eaton, Ohio as the City Manager. While in Eaton Steve was instrumental in bringing several international manufacturing factories and hundreds of jobs to town. During this time he also obtained his MBA from Central Michigan University. Then Steve was hired with Woolpert Consultants of Dayton, Ohio. Steve started Woolpert’s International efforts, first with his contacts at USACE in the Pacific, he then brought in Honda whom Woolpert still works for. He then led Woolpert’s efforts in Latin American and Florida.

After retiring from Woolpert Steve took a job as City Manager of Groveport Ohio which allowed him to be near his ailing father. As City Manager in Groveport, Steve helped guide the community through the Great Recession with no layoffs of city employees, managed the process of the community’s transition from a village to a city following the 2010 Census, found simple, creative ways to extend infrastructure to facilitate more industrial development. Steve was instrumental of three million square feet of warehouse and distribution space. Steve was a collaborative leader who made employees development and enrichment a top priority.

Steve was well known for his love of sampling culturally diverse cuisine, and traveling extensively around the world with his wife Patricia, whom he married in 2008. Together Steve and Patricia traveled six of the seven continents. Steve also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren whom all were dear to his heart.

We will remember Steve for the love he found in the immeasurable beauty of the natural world, his eternal love for adventure, his unwavering capacity for kindness and compassion, his mentorship and his ability to positively impact all those whom he met.

Steve was a life member of the VFW Lodge, The Eagles Lodge, The International City/County Association Florida City and County Management Associations. He was Past member of Masonic Lodge Scottish Rite, 32 degree Mason.

Steve is survived by his Wife, Patricia Ann Morris (Thien); Son, Andrew S. Morris (Natalie Andl); Daughter, Molly Ann Morris (Tina Worm) of Indianapolis, IN; Grandsons, William and Eugene (Kai) Morris of Carbondale, CO; Cousin, Cathy Buttrick (Chuck Buttrick) of Clearwater, FL; Step-Grandchildren, Brandon Bolden of Ohio and Kyron Kobylarz of Tennessee.

Celebration of Steve’s Life will be held on July 18, 2020 at 2:00pm and will conclude with prayers at 4:00pm. Aycock Funeral Home, 6801 SE Federal Highway, Stuart FL 34997. There will also be a Live Stream on FaceBook under Aycock (Young & Prill) Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Leukemia Foundation at donate.lls.org or First Responders Bridge at Firstrespondersbridge.org.