Edward (Ed) Anthony Morris

Edward "Ed" Anthony Morris passed from this life, Sunday, February 1, 2015 at the age of 72. He was born on June 13, 1942, in Chicago, IL. Ed retired from a career as an educator, administrator and coach in 2002. A caring person who always lived life to the fullest, he had a great passion for family, travel, education, and the outdoors. Ed graduated from Notre Dame High School College Prep (1960), St. Joseph's College (B.S. Physical Education 1964), University of St. Francis (M.S. Education 1969), and Indiana University (Elementary, Secondary, Principal's Licenses). He worked as Dean of Boys, Teacher, and Coach at Central Catholic High School of Fort Wayne (1964-70), Coach and Director of Student Affairs at Notre Dame High School, Niles, IL (1970-72), Guidance Counselor at Dwight Elementary School, IL (1972-76), Principal and Athletic Director at Huntington Catholic High School (1976-78), and finally Teacher, Coach, and Assistant Principal for Northwest Allen County schools (1978-2002). While at Perry Hill Elementary, he started both the Environmental Center and Buildings and Grounds department. Ed's activities outside of work revolved around family, church, and the outdoors. Besides being a member of Knights of Columbus Council 451, he was a taxidermist, landscaper, swim instructor, and participated with his wife in the German Club of Fort Wayne. After becoming interested in flying in the 1980s, he worked to become a licensed small aircraft pilot with certification in floatplanes and nighttime instrumentation, flying his daughter to college in Michigan, and logging his longest flight to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. After retiring, Ed continued to be an avid beekeeper, fisherman, and world traveler with his wife Mary Lou. He enjoyed working with all three sons at Healthkick Nutrition Center, and worked a family farm with his son David. Semi-annual trips to his daughter and son-in-law in Colorado became a regular event. He acted and sang with the Civic Theater of Fort Wayne in the production of Big. He was an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church singing bass in the choir and a past member of the parish council. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou (Thieme); daughter, Kathleen Marie (Christopher) Beekman; sons, Daniel Edward (Kira), Robert Donald (Erin), and David Joseph (Rita); grandchildren Kelsey Lynn, Edward Anthony, Anna Louise, Grace Bernadette, Lewis Robert, John Howard, Madelyn Marie, James Lee, Victoria Marie, Amelia Elizabeth, Jada Savannah, Julian Dion, Laila Irene, Marie Elisabeth, David Joseph, Jr., and Gabriela Kathleen; brother, Neil (Pat) Morris of IL, and sister, Maureen Morris of IL; siblings-in-law Carol Ann Matve, John (Mary K.) Thieme, and Donna (Lawrence) Freiburger of IN, and Barbara (Christian) Thieme-Tolliver of AK. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Joseph and Alma Anne Morris (née Origer). Mass of Christian Burial is Saturday, 10:30 am, February 7, 2015 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with calling one hour prior. Calling will also be Friday, February 6, 2015, from 2:00 - 5:00 pm & 7:00 - 9:00 pm with a rosary at 4:30 pm at D. O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road. Burial in Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials may be made to the St. Charles Church: Masses, choir, or Knights of Columbus 451. To sign the online guest book, go to www.domccombandsons.com