Jerry Morris

1936 - 2025

Jerry Workman Morris, 89, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025.

Born on October 16, 1936, in Holdrege, Nebraska, to the late Rollo and Velma Morris, Jerry grew up in the heart of the Cornhusker State, where he developed a deep appreciation for the land and its rhythms. After high school, he received his bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He went on to the University of Missouri to complete his master's degree in fisheries biology. After a stint in the Army, Jerry spent several years working at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in Lincoln, Nebraska. A dedicated veteran, he was a member of the Nebraska American Legion for over 50 years. Jerry later went back to school at the Southern College of Optometry, where he received credentials to later become an Optometric Technician for Dr. Nat Snider, Sikeston, MO, where he raised his family before moving back to Lincoln, Nebraska in 1989. He and his wife Judy remained in Lincoln until 2020, when they moved to Springfield, Missouri to be closer to family.

A man who never met a stranger and greeted everyone with a warm smile, Jerry was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He found joy in simple pleasures: casting a line into endless lakes and rivers, frequenting his favorite diners, and rooting passionately for any and all Nebraska Cornhusker teams from his favorite recliner. His quick wit, warm smile, and endless supply of jokes made him the heart of any gathering, always ready with a story from his Army days or a memory of his days growing up in rural Nebraska.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and twin brother, Larry Morris. He is survived by his cherished wife of 64 years, Judy Carol Morris of Springfield; his son, David Morris of Lincoln, NE; his daughter, Debbie (Morris) Grega and husband William of Springfield, Missouri; two grandchildren, Austin (McKayla) Grega and Chandler (Josh) Ballard; one great granddaughter, Norah Ballard; and two sisters, Linda Stokes (Loveland, CO) and Janet Love (Lincoln, NE).

There will not be a service, but condolences are welcomed. Please send to Judy Morris, 1873 E Edgewood, Springfield MO 65804. Jerry will be interred at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield at a later date.