Joseph Morris

1930 - 2026

Joseph Ivan Morris passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, in the Peaceful Pines Assisted Living Facility in Huron, South Dakota, after a short illness.

Joe was born November 30, 1930, to William Henry Joseph and Inez (McConkey) Morris in Belt, MT, the last of three children and the only son. Ivan, as he was known, was an outstanding student and excelled in sports. However, Joe's life truly started on September 3, 1953 when he married the love of his life Sallie Marlene Lucker. That began a journey of love of life, family and charity that lasted for the next 68 years.

Joe started his work life at the family's grocery store in Belt, MT, then moved to management at McLauglin Construction on projects like the "Going to the Sun Highway". Upon completing his accounting degree at the University of Montana, he and Sallie relocated to Butte in 1957. He began working at Victor Chemical, but finally accepted employment at the Montana Power Company, which lasted until his retirement 35 years later. Joe held managerial positions in Accounting, Oil & Gas, Computer Department; Engineering Group; and the Colstrip 4 Leasing Project.

In addition to his love of family, he was dedicated to the Masonic organizations. These were an integral part of the couple's lives culminating in Joe serving as Potentate of Bagdad Shrine Temple in 1976, with Sallie by his side as its First Lady. The Shrine and its hospitals were a journey that they shared until Sallie fell into the grip of dementia. Along the way Joe was Chairman of the Board of the Spokane Unit – Shriners Hospitals for Children, a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Chairman of the Butte Masonic Temple Association, an Emeritus Representative to Shriners International, Emeritus Member of the Imperial Jurisdictional Lines Committee, Past Director of Butte Court – Royal Order of Jesters, Personal Representative of the S.G.I.G. Scottish Rite, Chaplain of Mount Moriah Lodge #24 when he was in his late 80's, and much more! His community involvement was extensive. Joe served as Chairman of the Board for Columbus Plaza/Highland View Manor Housing, Chairman of the Butte Civic Center Board, President of Butte Rotary, was involved in Scouts and a plethora of other committees and organizations. In addition, he was a US Air Force Veteran.

Joe and Sallie traveled extensively, both domestically and internationally, and always at each other's side! This ended when Sallie had to enter the Memory Unit at Big Sky on Waterford, but every day Joe would sit with Sallie and hold her hand for hours – a true loving husband!

Joseph lost his Sallie in 2021 after 68 years of love and friendship. He is survived by his sons, Mark (Marijean) of Houston, TX, Lorne (Donna) in Los Gatos, CA, and Jay (Peggy) of Huron, SD; five grandchildren, Erin (Andrew), Joe (Elizabeth), Tristan, Ivan and Spencer; and the newest special additions of Great-Grandchildren Eleanor and Penelope. One of Joe's last trips was to Cincinnati to meet Eleanor, which was a highlight! In addition, Mark and Deanne Zora are a valued extension of our family and cared for Dad over the many years he lived in his house in Butte. We love you both!

The pain of losing Joe is tempered by the long and wonderful life he has had, as well as the knowledge that he and Sallie are together again! Plans are to hold a Celebration of Life in April or May.

Memorials in memory of Joseph may be made to Bagdad Temple's Transportation Fund at 314 West Park St. Butte, MT 59701.