Gene Morris

Gene Morris, 91, NormanWalter Eugene Morris was born April 25, 1919 in Arcadia, Kansas to John William Morris and Lula Belle (Leist) Morris. He went to be with his Lord and Saviour on July 10, 2010. Gene attended Arcadia High School and graduated in 1939. He played football and ran track, proudly holding the school record for the 100 yard dash at 10.2 seconds. He joined the US Navy in Feb. 1942 and served in World War II as a Pharmacist Mate Second Class until Nov. 1945. His duty took him aboard an Aircraft Carrier, Battleship and LST. While in Naval training at Lexington, he met Carrie Hayes who was working at a local diner in Purcell. They wrote to each other during the war and when he returned, they were married on April 21, 1946 in Tarrant County, Texas. Gene attended electronics school in Kansas City, Missouri and in 1950 moved to Norman where they resided for over 50 years. Gene worked for several TV and radio stations early in his career, WKRM, WNAD and KNOR. During his time at KNOR he met Bob Barry and set up broadcast equipment for him at the OU games. He was a lifetime OU fan and loved to watch OU football. After his career in radio and TV, Gene worked at the FAA Center in Oklahoma City for 20 years retiring in 1981. Gene served as Worshipful Master of Norman Masonic Lodge #38. He was a Class A lecturer and a Master Mason for 53 years. He enjoyed gardening and attending his local church. He had a great voice and sang in the choir for many years. He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Carrie Morris. He is survived by four children and their spouses, Tony and Barbara Wallace, Norman, Oklahoma, Bruce and Linda Eugene, Parma, Ohio, Kenneth and Suzanne Morris, Edmond, Oklahoma, and Gregory and Andrea Morris, Bedford, Texas. He has 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grand children. Services will be at Norman Community Church of the Nazarene, 1810 North Porter, 10:00 a.m., July 14, 2010. Graveside service, Resthaven Memorial Gardens, 500 SW 104th St., Oklahoma City. John Ireland Funeral Home, 120 South Broadway, Moore.