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Merrill Mark Morris
Mark Morris, age 90, of Willard, passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2013. He was born to Ernest and Grace (Hammond) Morris, May 5, 1923, in Rockford, IL. Mark and his wife, Marlene, have been together for over 47 years. At age 16, Mark drove a transport truck for a poultry goods company, traveling 10,000 miles per month. In 1942 Mark joined the Army, during World War II. He served in the 123rd Infantry Regiment, and was in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre, under General MacArthur. Mark was captured by the Japanese Army, and was held as a prisoner of war for 88 days, until he and several others escaped. He was the fifth man to land on the beach of Luzon, Philippines. Mark was one of 88 men to recapture the Army-Navy Hospital in the Philippines, freeing over 300 soldiers and hospital staff. General MacArthur referred to Mark as "Blondie", and had worked together. Mark and the General became friends. Mark earned the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star but refused to accept them. After the war Mark was the Fire Chief in Nevada, Iowa, and was responsible for the department obtaining the first fire engine there. In his spare time Mark was an auctioneer. Mark was a real estate broker and owned Land and Home Real Estate Company in Springfield. He was a well known and respected loan officer. He and Marlene also owned Prime Mortgage. He was involved in the building of the Plaza Towers, and many other landmark sites. When Mark retired he worked as a security guard at Prime Trucking for many years. Mark enjoyed cattle farming all of his life and had a show farm north of Willard. Mark was a friend to all, whether he knew you or not. He was always there to lend a hand, one being Elvis Presley when Elvis was stranded in Diamond, MO.
Mark is survived by his wife, Marlene; daughter Karen (Sullivan) Campbell and husband Gene, of Republic; his children from a previous marriage, David, Lynn, and Sharon; a granddaughter Rylee Campbell; sisters Margie Wendell and husband Glen, Helen Case and husband Charles, and a host of family and friends. Mark was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to C.A.R.E Animal Rescue, 1328-A West Sunshine Springfield, MO 65807, (417) 875-6565, www.carerescue.org.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, October 4, 2013, in Hood United Methodist Church, Republic, with Pastor Monty Stratton officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until service time in the church. Burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, near Clever, with full military honors. Arrangements are under the care of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I am so sorry for all of you, I'm sending my love and sympathy and thinking of you today. My prayers are with you. Love, Jamee Campbell
October 4, 2013
Karen,Gene and Marlene, I am so so so sorry about Mark, I just heard about it today. Thinking of all of you today. Love, Kim Odom and Paula
October 4, 2013
We met Mark when we moved to Springfield in 1996. We worked with him at Prime Inc. It was a honor & privilege to have known him. God broke the mold when HE made him. R.I.P.
Art & Jan Heilman
October 4, 2013
We had the pleasure of meeting Mark only once, what a wonderful, kind, loving man.
Randy and Linda Cole
October 4, 2013
I worked with Mark at Prime. He was one Great Person. John Moore
October 3, 2013
It seems like Mr Morris was an integral part of my life for as far back as I can remember. He was the go-to guy for ANY question, from cattle and agriculture to loan values and the fed index. I'll always remember him with a smile on my face, as it was probably him that helped put it there. Even last year, when I lost my son, in sickness he was consoling me, and that will never be forgotten. Thank you for everything you were and will continue to be through the legacy of the many you helped out over time. My love and prayers are with Marlene, as we know you are in a happier place, but we are left to miss your wit.
Genny Seaburn-Sexton
October 3, 2013
We are so sorry to lose such a wonderful person. He was truly someone to admire. We love you. Lori, Charlie & Henry
Lori, Charlie & Henry Case-Cornwall
October 3, 2013
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