B. Russell "Russ" Morris, 94, a life time resident of Decatur, IL passed away Friday August 19, 2011 at Concordia Village in Springfield, IL.
Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday August 27, 2011 at Grace United Methodist Church in Decatur. Visitation with the family will be one hour before the services at the church. Burial will be at a later date. Dawson & Wikoff North Chapel, Highway 51, Decatur is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Decatur Community Foundation.
Russ was born in Decatur on March 5, 1917, the son of Asa and Freddie Morris. He married Eileen Dawson on August 22, 1940 in Decatur and she preceded him in death on May 14, 2008. He was the owner of Redbarton Incorporated which he sold at retirement, it is now Barton Manufacturing. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved helping others. He volunteered for ten years with SCORE and also Decatur Memorial Hospital. He was a woodcarver and excellent athlete. Russ loved to ice skate, which he continued to do after reaching the age of 89. Russ was credited with teaching hundreds how to skate. His cars were his pride and joy, it was a familiar sight to see him cruising around Decatur in his dark green "69" Chrysler 300 convertible.
Russ is survived by his son Rich Morris and wife Mary Ann of Springfield; daughter Anne Campbell of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren Anthony Campbell, Jane Faggetti and her husband Sam, Matthew Campbell and his wife Wendy, Michael Campbell and his wife Milissa, Todd Morris, Brian Morris, Leanna Sisson and her husband Chris; great grandchildren Andrew Campbell, Maggie Campbell, Grayson Campbell, Emily Faggetti and Rob Faggetti.
He was preceded in death by his wife Eileen, parents, brother Glen Morris, sisters Leita Jolly and Nell Crossman, son-in-law Paul Campbell.
Messages of condolences may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com
"A Life Celebration Home"
Latest Condolences
| Don & Vicki Burke |
Friends from Grace UMC |
August 27, 2011 |
How honored we are to have known Russ! We have so many fond memories. I work at Decatur Memorial Hospital and was always uplifted to see his red volunteer's coat and smiling face coming around the corner in the hallway (or should I say, 'speeding' around the corner!) Always a friendly greeting. Several years ago, he made nativity barns for a fund raiser at church. We are the lucky owners of one of these barns which includes fencing, a well (with a bucket) and a manger. What a treasure! I only saw him skate one time, probably my only trip to the rink.... I couldn't believe my eyes! He was SO good!! We treasure our memories and know you do as well. Blessings....
| Pat (Payne) Schroat |
Thinking of You! |
August 25, 2011 |
Ann, Sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad, I remember him well from our good ole school days. You're in my thoughts during this time of loss. Pat
| Duane Werner |
Diaconal Minister of Music |
August 25, 2011 |
I was sorry to read of Russ's passing. He was a wonderful gentleman and a dedicated member of Grace Church. It was my privilege to know him, and I greatly appreciated his fine wood working skills. My sincere sympathies to all his family. You shall be in our thoughts and prayers. Blessings.
| suzy russell |
neice |
August 24, 2011 |
Uncle Russell was one of the most giving persons I have ever known. He was always ready to drop whatever he was doing when we came from California in order to come right over to grandma's and get the fun going. A born teacher, he made toys for whatever children were around and then taught them how to use them to best advantage. My family remembers him as the uncle who knew how to play and who never ran out of energy or ideas . He loved a joke and always called us his "dumb California kids" who had to be taught how to do things ( a good excuse for him to do what he loved to do best, educate).
We will always love our Uncle Russell and Aunt Eileen who read and played games with my kids. We are so blessed to have had them in our lives.
| Tom Hesler |
Condolences |
August 24, 2011 |
Just a note express my thoughts as a nephew. Russ never ceased to entertain me as a child, and that passed along to my young sons when they visited. The disappearing thumb trick is still one of their favorites when they interract with small children.
Russ and Eilene both played a big part in my life. I hope ther are many more Russ and Eileens in my life.
Great folks
