Francis Arthur Morrow

Francis "Fran" A. Morrow

December 16, 1931 - August 29, 2025

Francis "Fran" Morrow, age 93, was born on December 16, 1931, on a farm near Tekamah, NE. Fran was the oldest of seven children-which meant he quickly learned how to work hard, share chores, and keep a sense of humor handy.

A graduate of Tekamah High School in 1949, Fran went on to Dana College, where he played both baseball and basketball. Even in his college years, he never missed a chance to head home and lend a hand on the farm. Before heading to basic training and radio school at Fort Carson, CO, he met the love of his life, Robinette "Robbie" Miller, in a Sunday school class. He asked her to write to him in Korea, and she did-launching a lifelong love story. The two were married on July 17, 1955, on a blistering 110-degree day in Sioux City, IA.

Fran's career in education began in Allen, NE, where he was asked to coach both football and basketball. Basketball was a slam dunk, but he had never played football. So he did what any sensible man would do-he called his Dana coach, who gave him the sage advice: "Can you read? Buy a book." Fran did, and before long, he had winning records in both. From there, he taught and coached in Hartington, NE, and Alta, IA, where he added roles like president of the new golf course, junior high coach, high school golf coach, and elementary principal to his résumé.

After additional schooling at Iowa State University, Fran served as superintendent of schools in Paton-Churdan, Wall Lake, and finally Conrad, IA (BCLUW schools), where he retired in 1995.

He and Robbie moved to Prince's Lakes, IN, where Fran enjoyed fishing, golf, and boating-and loved it most when family came to visit. In 2005, they returned to Tekamah, where Fran reconnected with old friends, helped his brother on the family farm, and (of course) golfed. In 2014, the couple relocated to West Des Moines, IA, and eventually into Des Moines, where Fran spent his final years surrounded by family and fond memories.

Fran was a Mason for more than 60 years, a fixture at his kids' and grandkids' sporting events, and a man who found joy in a well-kept lawn, a tended garden, and a round of golf with friends.

He is lovingly remembered by his children Martin (Karen) of Marion, IA; Karen (Edwin) Bennett of Parker, CO; Gregory (Becky) of West Des Moines, IA; and Daughter-In-Law Kathy of Urbandale, IA; his siblings Orpha Ruth, Clark, Edward, and Leslie; twelve grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Robbie Morrow; his parents, Dorthula and Art Morrow; his siblings George, Mary Lou, and Cliff; and his son Stephen (Kathy).

A graveside service will be held in Tekamah, NE, at a later date.

Fran will be remembered for his love of sports (especially golf-did we mention golf?), his decades of service in education, his green thumb, and above all, his deep love for his family. He leaves behind laughter, lessons, and a lifetime of stories that will keep his memory alive for years to come.