John Morris '83
July 19, 2019 12:35 PM
updated: July 19, 2019 12:46 PM
Obituary source unknown
Name Residence
John F. Morris Tyler,TX
Age Date of Birth Date of Death
81 01/20/1938 05/01/2019
John was preceded in death by his parents Homer Renley Morris, Sr. and Lora Coker Morris; older sister, Jean Morris Williams; older brother, Homer Renley Morris, Jr.; and one nephew, Renley Lane Morris. John is survived by four nieces and their families. Karen
J. Lucas of Tyler, Texas; Kelse Jan Barton, her husband Don Barton III, son Don Barton IV, and daughter Kimberly Kelse Barton, including two great-great nephews all from Key Largo, Florida; also Renee Morris of Round Rock, Texas; and Lana Morris Scully, her
husband Darren Scully, daughter Maddie Scully, and son Aubry Scully all from Hewitt, Texas. John was born in Palestine, Texas. He moved to Clarksville, Texas to teach high school American History and Government/Economics for twenty years. His degrees included
a B.A. of Business, Baylor University, 1960; Masters of Education, specialty in Curriculum & Instruction, Texas A & M University, 1983; and continued post-grad work at Stephen F. Austin and East Texas State. When he moved back to Palestine, Texas he opened
an education-based retail business along with his sister, Jean Williams, aptly named Education Unlimited. It served the educational needs of schools, businesses, and families until it closed in 2013. Afterward, John researched, prepared and presented a presentation
based on the Declaration of Independence, entitled "Journey to our Independency", a study of our nation's forgotten birth certificate. John enjoyed reading and had a personal library comprised of history, economics and government perspectives from many well-known
authors. His quick wit and dry humor caught many by surprise as his scholarly persona left an indubitable impression. He was instrumental in the rebirth and renovations at the Palestine Community Theater; portraying many well-loved characters and serving on
the board at the theater were integral to his enjoyment of life in his later years.