Two Goodbyes

On April 4, 2013 my precious Oma closed her eyes on earth and opened them in heaven. We will miss her so much...so much. Alzheimer's quickly robbed her of herself and now she is restored and dancing with the angels. The service was the day Leanne was supposed to fly home, but thankfully she was able to extend her stay. The five of us piled into Neil's car and headed to San Antonio for three days. Carter was 3 weeks old and was a traveling champ. Landon is a seasoned traveling pro and did really well, too. I was so happy that Opa got to meet Carter, his 8th great grandchild. With help from my mom, Oma chose pieces of her jewelry to give to each of the women in the family - all of the daughters, daughters-in-law, granddaughters and granddaughter-in-law. Mom gave them all to us at the same time and it was very special. 

Elli Lowe Morris, born July 16, 1924 in Berlin, Germany, passed away on April 4, 2013 to a new life in Heaven with all her loved ones who have gone before and also with other saints already there. "What a day of great rejoicing". She had a very fruitful life, raising four daughters, a faithful church woman who sang solos frequently with the church choir, Girl Scout leader and many other community services. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Joe L. Morris, Chaplain Lt.Col., USAF Retired; daughter, Doris Gray and husband, David Gray, II; Barbara Brown and husband, Steve; daughter, Patty Snyder and husband, Mark and daughter Peggy Smith; as well as step-son, Joe L. Morris, Jr. and wife, Jennifer; step-daughter, Liz Rozell and husband, Paul; step-daughter, Stephanie Heflin and husband, Scott; 19 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wanda and Max Krueger; and her husband of 30 years, Lew R. Lowe, CMSgt USAF Retired. 

Opa grieved deeply for Oma and on April 30, 2013, he joined her in heaven. He was 96 years old and his body had been failing him for a few years. Miraculously as Oma got sick, he got better. He took care of her. So less than a month after we returned from Oma's services, we were back in San Antonio for Opa's services. Opa loved bolo ties and wore one every day. He owned 24 (!) and there were enough of them for each grandchild and most nearly all of the sons/sons-in-law. Everyone wore them to his funeral and I know Opa was so proud. It seems like the end of an era to all of us. The two people who had brought our huge family together and held us together are gone. After the services, the family gathered for dinner and looked over photo boards and a slide show that we had all contributed pictures to. It was a joyful time of memories - just as Oma and Opa would have wanted.

Joe Lockhart Morris, Chaplain, Lt. Col., USAF Retired ("Dad," "Uncle Joe," "Opa") died peacefully surrounded by family on April 30, 2013 at the age of 96. He was born on July 28, 1916, the eighth of eleven children, to Maxey Michol Morris and Letha Martha Etter Morris in Dickens, Texas. In his early years, Joe worked the family farm in the Texas panhandle and learned the value of hard work and a good practical joke. Joe received a B.A. degree from Baylor University and was a member of the first graduating class from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in 1949, where he received a B.D. degree. He spent his career preaching and teaching as a Baptist pastor and Air Force Chaplain. Joe received numerous awards and accolades and retired on July 1, 1972. He never outgrew practical jokes. Dad, thanks for putting us to work at Magic Acres, for letting us name your calves, for sharing your Purple Martin chores, for schooling us in bowling and checkers and Forty-two. You laughed easily and loved deeply. You touched many lives.
Joe is survived by: son, Joe L. Morris Jr. and wife, Jennifer; daughter M. Elizabeth Rozell and husband, Paul; daughter Stephanie M. Heflin and husband, Scott; step-daughters Doris Lowe and husband, David Gray, II; Barbara Brown and husband, Steve; Patty Snyder and husband, Mark; Peggy Smith; brother, David Morris and wife, Faye; nineteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; nine brothers and sisters; his wife of 31 years, Elli Lowe Morris on April 4, 2013 and his wife of 26 years, Mary Glynn Pynes Morris in 1979. 

 Do you see his cane???

He knocked Landon on off of his feet a few times. It was a fun game for both of them!