Thomas G Morris

1919 - 2016

Thomas G Morris

1919 - 2016

BORN

1919

DIED

2016

Thomas Morris Obituary

Published by Quay County Sun from Mar. 8 to Mar. 9, 2016.
Thomas G. Morris age 96, long time Tucumcari resident passed away on March 4, 2016, in Amarillo,TX.
Surviving Tom is his son, Tommy; daughter in law, Regina; granddaughter, Jenna and his daughter, Elizabeth all of Tucumcari, NM. Also surviving is his sister, Lillie Pack of Mesquite, Tx; by four nieces and one nephew, Betty Elliott, Margaret Carathers, Sue Kay, Billie Jean Watson and Dale Pack.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Bill Morris: first wife, Corinne Stevens Morris; his sister, Dorothy Hubbell; and his second wife, Betty Bryant Morris; Betty's son Dr. Pat Bryant & wife Lynn and children, Christopher and Micheala also survive him.
Tom was born August 20, 1919, in the community of Carbon in Eastland County TX., to Nancy Smith Morris and Robert G. Morris. He attended Comanche High School in Comanche, TX. He joined the US Navy after high school and served as an enlisted man for two tours of duty beginning November 12, 1937, and ending March 22, 1944. After basic training, Tom was briefly assigned to the USS New Mexico in 1939 and 1940 he served aboard the USS Augusta, Flagship of the Asiatic Fleet. The August as cruise took him to the Philippines, Singapore, Siam (Thailand), French Indo China (Vietnam), Hong Kong and to numerous ports along the coast of China and Amoy (Xiamen) all the way to north of Chefoo (Yantai). His final assignment on his first tour was aboard the submarine, USS Sealion (SS195). He told his family he didn't mind submarine service because all his former assignments had been below deck anyway. In 2010 Tom recalled he was discharged the first time in November of 1941. He said he was waiting to catch the train from California back to Carlsbad NM where his mother and younger sister Dorothy then lived when the attack on Pearl Harbor came on December 7, 1941. His replacement on the Sealion as well as two of his buddies were killed when the Sealion was bombed at Cavite Naval yard in thePhilippines in December of 1941. The original Sealion was scuttled and a new Sealion (SS315) was commissioned in March of 1944. Tom went home to Carlsbad for a couple of weeks following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the entry of the United States into World War II he reluctantly re-enlisted. Reluctantly he said, because he had witnessed first hand apparent superiority of the Japanese fleet while serving in the South Pacific. He was sent to Quincy , MA (Fore River Shipyard) and ultimately assigned to the light cruiser USS San Juan. Tom contracted Tuberculosis aboard the San Juan and spent his final months of service in the naval hospitals in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Following his final discharge for the US Navy, he enrolled in the University of New Mexico on the G.I. Bill where he met Corinne Steven of Tucumcari. The couple married on June 5, 1947. Tom earned his B. S. degree in Civil Engineering from UNM in 1948. Following graduation, Tom and Connie moved to Tucumcari where Connie began her teaching career and Tom partnered with his mother in law, Ethelwyne Savage Stevens in the family farming and ranching business.
In January of 1953 he was elected the New Mexico House of Representatives and served continuously until December 31, 1958. He was elected to the 86th Congress of the United States on November 4, 1958 and served as a Representative at Large for New Mexico in the 87th, 88th 89th and 90th Congress until his defeat in November of 1968. Following his career in the US House he moved his family to Albuquerque, where he worked for the American Bank of Commerce. In 1972 he made an unsuccessful bid for the US Senate seat vacated by Clinton P. Anderson.
He moved his family back to Tucumcari and the farming and ranching enterprise in 1973. During the late 1980's and into the 1990's Tom worked for Gas Company of New Mexico as a lobbyist in Santa Fe. Following Connie's death in 1997 Tommy took over the reins of the family farming and ranching business and Tom retired. Tom married Betty Baker Bryant on September of 1998 and the couple made their home at Betty's house on South 5th street until her death in February of 2010. During this time, the couple enjoyed numerous shared interests including traveling, flower gardening and following the stock market.
Service celebrating his life will be conducted on Thursday morning March 10, 2016, at 10:30 AM in the First Presbyterian Church with Rev Amy Pospichal officiating. Interment will follow in the family plot of the Tucumcari Memorial Park Cemetery. Active pall bearers will be Phil Bidegain, Ron Wilmont, Warren Frost, Richard Randals, Dean Misseldine and Chris Sandoval. Honorary Pallbearers will be Phillip Bidegain, Dick Valdez, Howard Abercrombie, Jerry Morris, Tom Kay and Dale Pack.
The family suggests for those who wish, donations may be made to Amarillo Hospice of the Plains at 508 North Taylor, Amarillo TX, 79107 in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home of Tucumcari NM.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Thomas Morris's Guest Book

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January 22, 2021

Larry Schear posted to the memorial.

June 6, 2016

Valerie P. Duval posted to the memorial.

March 16, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

Larry Schear

January 22, 2021

I was curious today and Goggled Congressman Morris and found this obituary, so sorry I did not search for him sooner as I wanted to somehow thank him. In 1966 Congressman Morris gave me an appointment to the US Naval Academy while I was living in Hobbs, New Mexico, an event which completely changed my life for the better. I will always be grateful to him. Fair Winds and Following Seas to Congressman Morris.

Valerie P. Duval

June 6, 2016

Today, June 6, 2016 marks fIfty years ago (6-6-'66) that I began working for my all-time favorite boss. Having misplaced his telephone number but wanting to reminisce, I did an internet search. Thus, only today did I learn that the very, very Honorable Thomas G. Morris had left our dimension in March.

Congressman Morris sent me to Alburquerque during the 1968 election where this native Floridian would have relocated in a heartbeat if only New Mexico had an ocean or a large body of water. I loved the distinct cultures, the beauty and the warm people I met but when he lost the election, I was devastated and disillusioned with "politics" . How could the electorate be so stupid? He was smart, dedicated to serving his state, unassuming, thoughtful and so kind. This latter trait in such evidence as he tried to comfort me and seemed more concerned about my future than his own. Another kindness, though small but representative of his caring nature and that I vividly remember, was when I insisted on trying green chile stew in his presence and he ordered milk for me as he thought the dish might be too spicy for a neophyte!

There are other fond memories and I am thankful that I knew him. We were able to talk a few times during the last several years and he was still so mentally sharp and up-to-date on the world. He even remembered meeting my mother from her brief visit to New Mexico and that she had been a professional photographer.

Thomas G. Morris, I think now, was a father figure to me and along with his family and many, many others, will live In my heart always.

March 16, 2016

I am saddened to learn of the passing of Thomas G. Morris a man who lead by example and truly loved the people of Quay County and New Mexico. Tom served both his country and the citizens of Quay County for years in both the New Mexico Legislature and as an at Large Member of Congress for ten years.

Tom also loved the US Navy, but when President Gerald Ford, an old friend from congress asked Tom to accept the appointment as Secretary of the Navy, Tom did consider it. However, felt it better for his family and himself to remain in Tucumcari where his heart was. Besides Tom had already done his tour of duty and then some for both the State and the Nation.

Tom was one of the luckiest men in the world, first in his marriage to Connie who gave him two great children in Tommy and Elizabeth Jane and a great life. After the passing of Connie Tom was once again a winner when Betty Bryant accepted his proposal of marriage and they enjoyed many years together.

Tom enjoyed the ranching life, whether rounding up cattle for shipment or irrigating crops. Tom's eyes brightened whenever he was talking about the ranch.

Tom will be missed, but he is most deserving of a peaceful rest.

Bill Elliott

Amy Pospichal

March 15, 2016

I will miss his friendship. He cared very deeply about this community and his church. I'm thankful for the extraordinary life he led and the lessons he passed on to those who knew him!

Bill Dixon

March 10, 2016

On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI), I offer our sincere condolences on Thomas' passing. You and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. We are forever grateful for Thomas' service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service. To our Brother we say, Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your service to our country."
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. - 2 Thess 3:16.

Thomas Gayle Morris EM1, US Navy, Now on Eternal Patrol.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
His record is now posted online in the Eternal Patrol file on the USSVI website.

Bill Dixon, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.

Former Senator James Taylor

March 10, 2016

Congressman Morris was always a gentleman and a welcome visitor to my office while I served in the legislature. I will always treasure the history and stories he shared with me. He truly was a treasure.

Tucumcari Public Library Staff

March 9, 2016

Sorry for your loss. I know he is deeply missed. We will miss seeing him at the Library. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Leonardo Garcia

March 8, 2016

Sorry for your loss. Thomas G. Morris was the congressman that gave me a job in Washington D.C. He was a great man and I have many good memories of Him and his staff, because of hime I was able to better myself in life. Thanks Thomas. Our prayers are with you and your family, May our Lord give you understanding and faith this time. Leonardo Adolfo Garcia

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Dunn Funeral Home

115 S 3rd St, Tucumcari, NM 88401

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Sign Thomas Morris's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 22, 2021

Larry Schear posted to the memorial.

June 6, 2016

Valerie P. Duval posted to the memorial.

March 16, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.