Name: Visitation for Dennis Eugene Morris
Start: 2016-05-27T14:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-05-27T15:45:00.000Z
Location: Western Oaks Baptist Church

Dennis Eugene Morris 1943 - 2016
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Dennis Eugene Morris, 73, of Springfield, died at 11:31 am, Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born May 21, 1943 in Belvidere to Edwin and Edna Lungstrom Morris. He married Doris Dulaney on August 19, 1967, and she survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Darren and Dedrick Morris both of Springfield; one daughter, Dayna Swartz of Springfield; two grandsons, Charles Jacob and Dylan James Swartz; two brothers, Edwin (Cyndy) Morris of Belvidere and Robert (Karen) Morris of Cherry Valley; one sister, Connie (Dan) Shiroda of Poplar Grove; brother-in-law, David (Barb) Yakey of Kirkland and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents and one sister, Linda Yakey.
Dennis became a Christian during college and shared his faith with many including his parents and siblings. He was a member of Western Oaks Baptist Church for many years, were he was involved in many of the ministries including "Journey to Bethlehem" and nursing home services at Heritage Manor. He endeavored to spread the love of Christ wherever he went by everything he said and did.
He was an Art Educator for elementary, middle and high schools for District 186 retiring in 2000. He was Horace Mann Educator of the Year for District 186 in 1991. He was a member of Prairie Art Alliance (Springfield Art Association); National Education Association; Illinois Educational Association and Illinois Art Education Association. He produced and exhibited art works done by painting, sculpting, paper making and print making. He has pieces currently on display at the Springfield Art Association and St. Louis Art Guild.
He was an Illinois Master Gardener. He served on committees that planned, created and maintained various garden projects at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, the Lincoln Home area, and the Children's Garden at Henson Robinson Zoo.
The family will host a Celebration of Life on Friday, May 27, 2016 at Western Oaks Baptist Church, 5345 Old Jacksonville Rd., Springfield, IL.
Visitation: 9:00–10:45 am. Service: 11:00 am with Pastor Josh Parsons officiating. Burial: 2 pm Friday at Roselawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests you send flowers to someone you love.
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Published by The State Journal-Register on May 25, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Morris

Sponsored by Staab Funeral Home - Springfield.

8 Entries

Dylan Swartz

October 27, 2016

Dennis was My Grandpa and he has always been in my heart he taught me so many thing including gardening and art styles and techniques i still wish he was with us.

Karen Larson/Meadows

May 29, 2016

I had the honor of knowing Dennis as a fellow art teacher through the IAEA. As is expressed in the following poem (author unknown), Dennis has left beauty in the hearts of not only his friends but the many, many students he inspired through the years.
" The tide recedes but leaves behind
bright seashells on the and,
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth
still lingers on the land.
The music stops, and yet it echoes on
in sweet refrains...
For every joy that passes,
something beautiful remains.

Reva Dawdy Goodall

May 26, 2016

I had the pleasure of teaching with Dennis at SEDC/Lee School many years ago. My fondest memories are of Dennis as the "Art Boss" of the Very Special Arts Festival, which he established. Dennis did wonderful things for students with disabilities. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Mary von Liski

May 26, 2016

Dennis was an inspiration and positive person for everyone. He was an amazing art teacher and helped guide all students to success. Sincere and heartfelt sympathy. Wishing the family: a song in your hearts; a rainbow after the rain; peace; faith; treasured memories.

May 25, 2016

Mr. Morris was my favorite teacher. He taught his students to think outside the box and to embrace art without fear. He always had an encouraging word for everyone. He inspired creativity and passion in the world of art and will be greatly missed. He taught me a great deal and I will always remember him with fond memories.

Debra Meyer

May 25, 2016

Mr. Morris was my art teacher in 1969 at Edison JHS. He was a very sweet person and one of the great teachers who inspired me to also teach. I still remember both of the main projects I did in his class, and used the same ideas when I got hired to teach in a tiny rural school where, although I am a science teacher, I unexpectedly had to also teach one section of art. His class was the only art class I'd ever had! Thank you, Mr. Morris, for giving me that lifeline and a lifelong passion for art. My condolences to his family and friends.

Deborah Lane

May 25, 2016

Mr. Morris was one of those teachers you never forget. Very kind and soft spoken, he created a peaceful atmosphere in his art class, along with his inspiring artistic lessons which made his class the highlight of my day. That was over 30 years ago, but he has often been in my thoughts. My condolences to his family for the loss of this gentle soul.

Bob and Maryna Mitchell

May 25, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Dennis was an extraordinary educator. His passion for art spilled not only to his students but to his co workers as well. Maryna and I have had the privilege of working with Dennis. HIs creation of the Fine Arts Fair at Lee School was a legacy. When Maryna was at Lee she called upon Dennis to assist her as she continued to bring the joy of art to ALL children. He was right there to help!! His passing is a great loss to the arts community. God be with his family during this time.

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