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BORN
1934
DIED
2024
Lew Morris Obituary
Lew Morris
BILLINGS - "Ability may get you to the top but it takes character to keep you there." John Woodin Lew Morris was born on May 11, 1934 in Midwest, WY. He passed away peacefully on August 18, 2024.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Allene; sister, Carol Rorabeck and brother, Larry. He is survived by daughter, Tammi (Morris) Russell; son-in-law, Ron; and son, Jeff Morris.
It's difficult to find one word or sentence to describe Lew. The best one would most likely be "sports".
For many years, Lew was an educator at Billings West High; black and gold ran in his blood. He was omnipresent at sporting events, football to track and field. Often called the Voice of the Golden Bears, Lew was the announcer at basketball games, wrestling and track and field events for years. He received many honors and accolades, including Montana Class AA Athletic Director of the Year.
In addition to high school sports, Lew was General Manager of the Billings Mustangs for many years. After that, he ran the American Legion baseball program. He is honored in both Halls of Fame. While running the Billings Mustangs, Lew won the prestigious Larry MacPhail Award for his hard work in building and promoting the Mustangs. Lew was also a life-long St. Louis Cardinal fan.
Lew was a well-rounded individual. While sports were the centerpiece of his life, he also served the community. He was a dedicated member and leader of the Metro board for years, helping to bring many huge artists to Billings. He was a member of the Parks board and instrumental in getting Centennial Park upgraded. He was a member and President of Midland Roundtable and crucial to the Athlete of the Year Scholarship Program.
Even with all this on his plate, Lew loved to fish and had the opportunity to travel extensively with his wife, friends and family. He was grateful for every minute, every experience. It's impossible to encapsulate such a huge life into a few paragraphs. Lew's impact will be felt for years.
He was an amazing man, husband and father. He will be missed tremendously.
The family would like to thank everyone. Synergy HomeCare and St. John's Hospice. Thank you for taking such great care of both Allene and Lew . . . there are no words.
All are invited to celebrate Lew and Allene on September 15, 2024 at DanWalt Gardens from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Memories and Condolences
for Lew Morris
Jill Follett
September 15, 2024
To Tammi and Jeff: Your parents were very special to me and I enjoyed the time I was able to spend with them. I loved the stories of their travels and your Dad's time in all sports. Take care, Jill Follett
Margaret Aukshun
September 9, 2024
Lew was an influential man in my life. I first met him as a bank teller at Midland Autobank when he would bring in the Mustangs deposits. When I was a new teacher at West High, he suggested to Ken Roth that I should sell tickets and I did so throughout my career. I spent many summers with the Morris family as I sold tickets for the American Legion games. He was a great activities director. Oh, the Class C tournaments he hosted at West High were memorable! I last saw him again as a bank teller (and retired teacher) as he worked with his homeowner association. Life goes full circle and I will miss him and Allene. Thinking of you Tammy and Jeff.
Beth Tocci
September 6, 2024
I so enjoyed my many years working with Lew as my athletic director! He also was a good friend of my Grandfather, Jack Peckham, who taught at West with Lew. My thoughts are of all of you at this difficult time. He was a great man!
Betty Maring Ballard
September 1, 2024
My sincere sympathy! What a wonderful life he lived -- I am his cousin Betty Maring Ballard from Missouri and I knew him from his early childhood visits to Missouri as he was born here. May God give peace to the children and other family members.
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Judy Povilaitis
August 31, 2024
Such an inspirational educator. Mr. Morris was that teacher whose purpose was not to create students in his own image, but to develop students who can create their own image. I will always be thankful I had the opportunity to learn from one of the best! Thank you, Mr. Morris, you will be missed.
It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. - Albert Einstein
Margo Aldrich
August 30, 2024
Mr. Morris was my favorite teacher at West High. Such a nice man and a tremendous loss to his family and the community.
Jim Feltis
August 30, 2024
Growing up in Billings, we ran into Lew everywhere: at West High, at church, and at the Mustangs baseball games. What a great life he led.
Mike Hennessy
August 29, 2024
My thoughts and prayers go out to this wonderful family, Lew will always be a shining star in this community, a true giver in so many ways. I´ll treasure my association I had working and learning from Lew.
Don and Greer Baird
August 29, 2024
Lee and Allene will be missed. Great friends leaving wonderful memories. Prayers to Tammy and. Jeff.
Linda Maio
August 28, 2024
Tammy...thinking of u and Jeff at this time. Linda Maio and family
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