Michael Steven Morris, 81, passed away November 2, 2024, at Jasper Memorial Hospital. Mike was born on May 28,1943 at Fort Wayne, Indiana, the son of Jack Richard Morris and Virginia Lee (Hastings) Morris. He married Rose Ann Ryan on October 10, 1965.
Mike was a member of Saint Peter Catholic Church in Montgomery. He was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Evansville on September 20, 1985. He taught religion to high school students for many years. He served a term on the Diocesan Pastoral Council. Deacon assignments included Saint Peter Catholic Church, Montgomery and Saint Simon Catholic Church, Washington. While a Deacon he was instrumental in establishing and bringing understanding to the Annulment Process assisting many Christians in bringing closure to divorce and their being able to remarry in the Church. He was active in his parishes.
He retired from Naval Weapons Support Center Crane in 1995 and then finished attending Indiana State University (ISU) earning a BS & MS in Sociology. He then taught for ISU for eleven years as an Adjunct Professor. He was active for many years in Toastmasters International, achieved Able Toastmaster recognition, established several new clubs in southern Indiana and was elected to area and district offices. Promoting euchre, he established Euchre Sunday in the parish.
He enjoyed hunting, swimming, gardening, fishing, raising feeder pigs, playing euchre, coaching youth sports, and then especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also was very active with the Boy Scouts of American.
Survivors include his beloved family, wife, Rose Ann Morris of Montgomery; a brother Tim Ivan Morris of Mooresville, IN; sons, Brian Andrew (Tammy) Morris of Tennyson, IN, Aaron Michael (Tamara) Morris of Bloomfield, IN, Matthew Shea (Raya) Morris of Plainville, IN, Jeremy David (Jennifer) Morris of Odon, IN, Paul Nicholas (Denise) Morris of Odon, IN, Zachary Daniel (Chelsey) Morris of Odon, IN, and daughters; Jessica Leigh Head of Evansville, IN, and Suzanne Marie Morris of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren; Courtney Morris, Ashley (Allen) Arnold, Kenzie Morris, Alec Morris, Reid Morris, Kelsey Morris, Conner Combess, Colton Combess, Caroline Morris, Jayvon Head, Jayleigh Head, Averi Morris, Paisley Morris, Lincoln Walls, Daxton Morris, Gibson Morris, and Weston Morris; great grandchildren; Adilyn Martin, Jaxyn Martin, Hankstyn Arnold, and Bowyn Arnold.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Julie Ann Morris; and brothers, Patrick Bradford Morris and Kim Allen Morris, and grandson Andrew John Morris.
Friends may visit with Mike’s family on Wednesday November 6th from 12:00 until 4:00 P.M at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 305 2nd St., Montgomery, IN 47558.
A Mass of Christian Celebration will take place at 4:00 PM at St. Peter’s Catholic Church with Father Stephen McGinnis celebrating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Research, the ALS Association, or Pregnancy Care Center.
Blake and Wagler Funeral Home in Montgomery is honored to assist the Morris family with arrangements.
