John W. “Jack” Morris, 89, of Loudonville, died Monday morning, Aug. 22, 2016 at the home of his son, after a short illness.
Jack was born May 13, 1927 in McKay and was the son of the late Willard Albert and Mary M. (Busler) Morris. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II serving in France during 1945-46 as a truck driver and received the Victory ribbon as well as the Army occupation medal.
After serving in WWII he worked 16 years in the foundry of F.E. Meyers Company. Jack worked tirelessly for 70 years as a car salesman in Loudonville and was the owner of Morris Motors, selling many the car, truck or camper and remembered his customers through the years. He truly stood behind his sales and enjoyed the company of his friends who would meet him at the garage, both locals and friends returning home for a visit during the Fair.
Jack was a member of Greer Wesleyan Church, the Loudonville Lion’s Club, the Loudon Post #257 of the American Legion and VFW Post 8586 Perrysville. He humbly provided the eggs for the annual Loudonville Easter Egg Hunt in Central Park, supplied the propane for the American Legion’s steak fries, and always made sure his grandkids had extra money to ride the rides at the Loudonville Free Street Fair.
Jack loved NASCAR racing, auto auctions, playing euchre and working in his yard. He attended the Daytona 500 and provided stock cars for the Lakeville Speedway for years.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Toni (Pace) Morris, whom he married Jan. 10, 1973; two sons: Jackie W. (Joyce) Morris and Larry Willard (Linda) Morris, all of Loudonville; one daughter: Lauri (Russ) Harvey, of Mt. Vernon; five grandchildren: Chad Morris, Heather Kaman, Joshua Morris, Jordan and Tanner Harvey; three great-grandchildren: Lea Morris, Gavin Morris, and Jeremy A. Morris; and all the cats that dwelled in his home and garage as well as his dog companions, Bobbi, Barker, and Joey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, Jeremy B. Morris; five brothers: James, Wayne, Richard, Charles, and Ronald “Dewey” Morris; and two sisters: Evelyn Kendall and Rita Smith.
Graveside services will be held Friday, Aug. 26 at 11 a.m. in Greenlawn Cemetery, Perrysville with Pastor Eric McEvoy officiating with military honors conducted by the American Legion and VFW. Per Jack’s wishes there will be no calling hours, however family and friends will gather at the American Legion in Loudonville for food, fellowship, and remembrances immediately following the burial.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions be given to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Dr., Ashland, OH 44805 or S.T.O.P. (Stop the Overpopulation of Pets), 1152 Lexington Ave., Mansfield, OH 44907. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.Byerly-Lindsey.com.
