Michael Francis Morris

1946 - 2014

MCKINNEY Michael Francis "Mike" Morris (former Odessa Resident) passed away at home after a lengthy illness in McKinney, Texas on April 23, 2014, surrounded by his family and close friends.
Mike was born in Big Spring, Texas on November 19, 1946 to longtime Odessa residents, Helen Marie(Ellis) Morris and Francis Hugh "Frank" Morris. Growing up in Odessa, Mike attended San Jacinto and Burnet Elementary schools, Bonham, and Permian High School where he graduated in 1965. While attending Permian, he played football, was voted "Most Handsome" and was involved in various other clubs and activities. After graduation, Mike attended the University of Texas at Austin before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in December 1966. Having worked in the Odessa lab of Dr. Wray Storey, MD,during high school, upon enlistment trained Mike was trained as a hospital corpsman. He was assigned to the USS Repose Hospital Ship, where he served in Japan and the Philippines. He was proud to have been attached to the Marines as a medic deployed to rescue and helicopter evacuation duties serving injured troops in Viet Nam. Following his ship assignment, he was reassigned to the Naval Radiological Defense Lab in San Francisco.
In December of 1968 Mike married Rebecca "Becky" Payne of Odessa, and they made their home in San Francisco until Mike's discharge from the Navy. They moved back to Odessa for a short time before returning to the University of Texas at Austin to complete their studies. Mike was accepted at that time into the University
Pharmacy School. A growing family changed those plans and Mike and Becky returned to Odessa.
When he returned to Odessa, Mike worked for his father in law, Dr. William T. Payne at his orthopedic practice. Mike was employed by for Burroughs-Wellcome Pharmaceuticals, Louis Montgomery Trucking Company and WL Sommer, Inc.
With a desire to set out on his own and being a hard worker, in 1978 he established CEMA, Inc., a pump and compressor company and was owner until 2006. In 2006, Mike and his partners reopened a gas processing plant which he renamed Patriot, NGL , he later owned and operated InterSource Compression Systems where he worked until his retirement. He enjoyed participating in the Permian Basin Oil Show and was part of the Gas Processors Association, and the Permian Basin Petroleum Association.
Mike's faith was always an integral part of his life. Mike was christened at St. Mary's Catholic Church, where he and Becky were married. Mike was later affirmed as a member of St. John's Episcopal Church. He was very involved in all areas of St. John's. He served on the school boardduring his children's attendance at St. John's School and served also when his grandchildren attended the school. He was a faithful member of St. John's Church where he served on the Vestry. He served several terms as Junior Warden, and volunteered at the church's Food Pantry, which serves the needy of Odessa.
Mike was a past president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) and was named Jaycee Man of the Year. He was also listed in Who's Who business accomplishments.
Mike received a kidney transplant in 2000 at Southwestern Medical School, Dallas. This transplant allowed him to enjoy fourteen years with his family and friends.
Mike loved Texas, especially West Texas. He will be remembered for his humor, his storytelling, and his life long loyalty to the Permian Panther football team. Mike was aLife Member of the University of Texas EX Association, and loved everything UT. He loved playing golf, tennis, fishing, boating and relaxing at his LBJ summer home.
Following his retirement, Mike and Becky moved to McKinney, Texas.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother and father;his sister Donna Marie and
His maternal grandparents, Helen and H.L.(Jelly) Ellis
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca "Becky" (Payne), sons Christopher Morris wife June, Michael Morris wife Robbie, daughter Emily Cunningham husband Justin, Grandchildren: Ashton and Payne Morris, Lathan and MaKaylee Frederick, (Odessa) Riley and Staton Morris, (McKinney), and Hunter Cunningham, (Lubbock).
Brothers: Tim Morris wife Judy of Ruidoso, NM , Steve Morris wife Olivia of Goliad,TX. and his uncle Harold l. Ellis, Jr. and wife Fran of San Angelo, also by many cousins and friends.
The family wishes to thank Dr. J.B. Naidu, M.D. for his care and support over the years, and also Drs. Alan and Brad Leshnower, MD, and Dr. Larry Oliver, for their compassion and guidance throughout the years.
A memorial service will be held May 17, 2014 at 11:00a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church in Odessa. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southwest Transplant Alliance, 5489 Blair Road, Dallas, TX75231, www.organ.org, Fisher House, donations@fisherhouse.org (wounded veterans family lodging during care): St. John's Food Pantry, Odessa TX.or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements were provided by Charles W. Smith & Sons, McKinney, TX.