John Morrow

1935 - 2025

John Carroll Morrow passed away peacefully at home in the early morning of November 1, 2025. John was born in Kearney, Nebraska. He grew up in Kearney as the eldest of four children born to Carroll Strain Morrow and Hazel Panek Morrow. He graduated from Longfellow High School in 1953 and the University of Nebraska Lincoln in 1957. After graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. During his 20-year career as a USAF fighter pilot, John traveled both overseas and multiple places in the U.S., with specializations as a Weapons Systems Officer, Navigator- Air Transport, Air Operations-general, and Manager-Operations. Additionally, during his years of service John obtained an MBA from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado.

While stationed at Rabat, Morocco in 1958 he met the love of his life, a teacher in the American school, Simonette Delphine (Del) Hoffman of Bismarck, North Dakota. They were married in Rabat in 1959 and remained so for 66+ years until his death. They had three children, Beth Ellen, Carol Marie, and Christopher John.

Following his USAF retirement in 1977 from Bergstrom AFB in Austin, Texas, John relocated his family to Northern Nevada where he attended McGeorge School of Law. He graduated in 1980 with a Juris Doctor. During this time, he interned with the Washoe County Public Defender's Office where he found his calling as a criminal defense attorney. In his 20+ years as a Public Defender he represented hundreds of clients charged with offences ranging from minor misdemeanors to capital murder. In addition to trial work, he served as the chief deputy public defender for several years until his (second) retirement in 2001.

In 2001 Governor Kenny Guinn appointed John to the State Board of Parole Commissioners, and it is believed that he was the first criminal defense attorney to serve on the commission. He continued to serve in this role until his final retirement in 2006.

At last John was able to fully dedicate himself to snow ski instructing (combined 20+ years between the Sky Tavern Junior Ski Program and Mt. Rose), enjoying travel with his wife Del, and spending time relaxing and fishing at Eagle Lake.

John was preceded in death by his parents, younger brother Gordon, and daughter Beth who died in the 1982 avalanche at Alpine Meadows.

He is survived by his wife of 66+ years, Delphine, daughter Carol (Hank), son Christopher (Laurie), three grandchildren, Jesse (Paige), Jacob, and Erin, and two great-grandchildren, Natalie and Rowan.

Viewing will be held on November 20th 2-6 p.m. at Walton's on Kietzke Lane. Burial will take place at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Cemetery on November 21st at 10 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at Walton's.

The family would like to thank Eden Hospice for their excellent care of John. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of John to the Sky Tavern Junior Ski Program (information at info@skytavern.com or 775-323-5125).