MORRIS, Major General Donald Eugene, "Mo" was born in Fairview, OK on July 30, 1923 and passed away at home of natural causes on June 7, 2016. He was the youngest child of Earle B. and Eva (Simpkins) Morris. His two older brothers were Howard and Virgil. "Mo" attended Fairview school system and graduated as class president in 1941. After attending school, he joined the Army Air Corp. He went to several different training locations, one was Ryan Air Field (Tucson) as a student pilot. Later he went to Nellis Air Force base (NV) to become an instructor pilot. From there he went to Luke Air Force base (AZ) to instruct Chinese pilots and then joined the Air National Guard in Phoenix. While in Phoenix, he was asked by Senator Barry Goldwater to become the commander of the Air National Guard in Tucson. He served as commander from 1956 to 1971. After his command in Tucson, he commanded the Air National Guard of Arizona and later became the special assistant to the Southern Command in Panama and the U.S. Air Forces in Europe. He retired in 1983 and eventually chose to return to Tucson. He stated "It's where some of my most fond memories are -- the Tucson Air Guard and the people who have served there". During his military career he received several awards. Too many to name all of them, but some were "Order of Sword" 1987, "Eagle Award" 1983 and "Legion of Merit" 1971. In 1942, he married Leona P. Frazier and from this marriage there were two children, Donald Eugene Morris, Jr. and Nancy Ann Morris. On March 11, 1977 he married Paulette "Cherie" M. Jacques. "Mo" loved golfing, flying, hunting and fishing--he loved the outdoors. He is survived by wife, Paulette "Cherie"; son, Donald E. Morris, Jr. and wife, Susan of Tucson and daughter, Nancy A. Morris of Fairview, OK; grandchildren, Donald E. Morris, III (wife Heidi), John G. Morris (wife Diane); five great-grandchildren and several other family members and friends. The family would like to give a special thank you to Brendan Slattery, Home Instead Senior Care, TMC Hospice, the Chambers Family and Tucson Air National Guard. A Celebration of Life will held at the Tucson Air National Guard, date and time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial remembrance in memory of Major General Donald E. Morris to the Air National Guard of Arizona or a charity of your choice. Arrangements being handled by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Jun. 12, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald MORRIS

9 Entries

Gary Roosa

June 17, 2016

It was a pleasure to have known General Morris. RIP MO.

Gene West

June 15, 2016

I flew with the General while he was with the 197 FIS...Great Pilot and one nice
individual. God speed MOE!!!!

June 15, 2016

Mo was an icon. He not only started up the 162nd, he gave the unit it's "personality", professionalism and a "can do" attitude that are strongly evident today. Well done Boss. Godspeed in your P-40. Bill Van Dyke

June 15, 2016

General Morris always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. He will be missed by many.

Dennis Bridge

June 14, 2016

Exceptional Leaders create a path for others to follow and lead those who are committed to the objectives of success. The 162FW is a testimony to the success of your exceptional leadership. Thank You for being the example for so many of us!

Harv Damschen

June 14, 2016

An inspirational leader and fighter pilot. You'll be sorely missed.
-Pilfer-

Shaun Ryan

June 13, 2016

Don Morris was the person that hired me to fly one of his F-102 interceptors in 1967. I had no idea at the time that I would go to fly not only the F-102 but the F-100, the A-7, and the F-16 as well as represent the 162nd at State Headquarters as the Operations Officer for the Air National Guard of Arizona. I can only say that he had a huge influence on my life and that he was a commander who led by example rather than by decree. Thank you Mo for making my life a success. It was an honor to have served in your command.

Barbara ("Barbie") Kulik Kilgard

June 12, 2016

A favorite uncle -- I will always remember the holidays and fun times spent with "Aunt Onie and Uncle Don" and cousins D.E and Nancy in Phoenix and Tucson. Uncle Don was always kind to me and my husband and daughters -- he will be remembered with love!

Bill Downey

June 12, 2016

He was a great leader, always considerate, great smile. I spent 3 years on the flight line refueling his aircraft and was always good to me. God Bless his family and "Mo"

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