Rev. John R. Morris, servant of the Lord, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home in the Chelsea Retirement Community on Saturday, June 4th, 2022.
He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on October 13, 1935, son of the late Fred and Frances (Kupferer) Morris. He was preceded in death by his brother, William, and sister-in-law, Irmgard Morris. He graduated from Wiley High School (Terre Haute, IN) in 1953, Capital University, Columbus, OH in 1957, and Trinity Seminary, Columbus, OH in 1961. While at Capital, he met the love of his life, Karol Marie Thumm, and they were married August 16, 1958 in Lakewood, Ohio.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Karol, son, David (Lisa) Morris, daughter, Kathleen (Doug) Campbell, and daughter, Debbie (Brian) Colesa. He cherished his five grandchildren: Ben Morris, Hannah Campbell, Bradley Campbell, Katie Colesa, and Jacob Colesa; nephews, Mark (Sarah) Morris, Derrick Morris, and great-nephews, Andrew and Daniel Morris.
While studying at Trinity Seminary, he honed his ministerial skills at Zion Lutheran Church, Obetz, OH; his Internship at Grace Lutheran Church, Saginaw MI, and ended his final year in seminary at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Columbus, OH. He was ordained at his home church, Christ Lutheran Church, Terre Haute, IN on July 2, 1961. Upon graduation from Trinity Seminary, he was called to minister to the people of Grace Lutheran Church, Elmore, OH, and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Graytown, OH (a two-point parish) for six years; Zion Lutheran Church, Chelsea, MI for 20 years; St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Herron, MI for nine years; Living Hope Lutheran Church, Farwell, MI for five years. Upon his “retirement” John served wherever he was needed and God’s people needed to hear the Word preached joyously and with a boisterous voice, including Immanuel Lutheran Church, Jackson, MI; Good Hope Lutheran Church, Garden City, MI; St. James Episcopal Church, Albion, MI; Christ Episcopal Church, Pleasant Lake, MI; St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Michigan Center, MI, and Emanuel United Church of Christ, Manchester, MI. His singing led the congregations to truly respond more vigorously with their voices. His Christian witness was engaging, meaningful and always sprinkled with humor. He considered himself a blessed man to be able to spend his life in service to the Lord. In all the congregations, he was privileged to share their lives, bring the message of His Word and officiate at the Lord’s table. His three children and wife, Karol, provided him with a home life that allowed him support and energy to be the shepherd that God called him to be.
Besides loving his family, he loved music. He sang with many choirs in high school, Chapel Choir in college, and to wherever he was called, ending with singing bass in the Jackson Michigan Chorale. During his stay in Chelsea, he was also the Voice of the Chelsea Marching Band for nine years, Kiwanis president, and he was very involved in the community.
Upon retirement to their home in Napoleon, MI he took up his favorite hobby: model trains. He became a member of the Lionel Operating Train Society (LOTS). He and his wife, Karol, developed at large model train layout in their home basement, having open houses for Habitat for Humanity and Jackson Michigan Chorale. They were affectionately known as the “Train people.”
We wish to thank Pastor Kurt Hutchens, Arbor Hospice, and our extended church and community families for their loving support.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, June 9, from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 10, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and on Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.
