Herbert Comstock Morris

Herbert Comstock Morris, of Sugar Land, passed away, Tuesday, November 23, 2010, surrounded by his family. Herbert, who hailed from Dayton, Ohio, was a life-long learner with a keen interest in the world around him. He had wide and varied interests that carried him through life including the stock market, world politics, the care of his beautiful garden, jazz music, and the education and careers of his daughters.

Herbert was born, April 18, 1917, in Dayton, Ohio. He attended The Ohio State University and The University of Dayton, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Dayton in 1942. Herbert went on to have a distinguished 40-year career with Texaco Inc., as a researcher and executive in the petrochemicals and fuel additives division, where he secured many patents in his field. He started his career with Texaco Inc. in Beacon, NY, where he met his future wife, Marion Danforth, who survives him. They spent many years living in New York and in Texas, where they raised a family of five girls.

Herbert is survived by his wife, Marion, and their five daughters: Mariana Morris, Ph.D., a professor and chair at Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, OH; Jeanne Morris Smith (Craig Smith), a computer analyst from Austin, TX; Susan Morris, M.D. (David Cargill, M.D.), a family practice physician in Lima, OH; Catherine Morris Byrnes, an accountant from Clayton, MO; and Ellen Morris, Ph.D. (Stefan Magnusson), a professor at Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs from Glen Ridge, NJ. Grandchildren are Kathleen Byrnes (Justin Choi), Alison Byrnes, Christopher Byrnes, Robert Cargill, Mark Cargill, Evon Magnusson and Victor Magnusson. He has two sisters and a brother, Helen (Mack) Blackburn of Indianapolis, IN, Mariana Durr of Dayton, OH and Evon (Agrapina) Morris of Beaumont, CA, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held to honor and celebrate Herbert Morris's life, Wednesday, December 29, 2010, in Bellbrook, OH. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Herbert’s name to The University of Dayton Engineering Dean's Fund for Excellence or Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Earl H. Morris, M.D. Endowed Lectureship. Condolences and other remembrances may be expressed to the family at www.legacy.com/dayton/obituaries.asp with the Dayton Daily News.