Obituary of John Morril Morris, Jr.

John M Morris, Jr., loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, passed away on March 4, 2015 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. True to John's strong will, tenacity, and spirit, he remained unwaveringly focused on his country and making a difference until the lord called him home. John was born October 19, 1925, in Kingman, Kansas to John Morril Morris and Nina Morris. He graduated from Sylvia, Kansas High School in Reno County. Immediately following graduation and at the age of 17, John joined the United States Army Air Corps, where the military became his life work. Following flight training at Shepard Field, Texas and other locations he was assigned to the 493rd Bomber Squadron in England where as an aerial gunner he logged over 2000 hours on the Boeing B-17 flying fortress. At that time the B-17 utilized the open air machine gun ports, exposing its crew to bitter cold temperatures. He was a recipient of the European, African, Middle Eastern Theaters Ribbons, the Bronze Star six Air Medals, the Victory Ribbon, the American Theater Ribbon, the good conduct medal, the Air Force Longevity Service award, the American Defense Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. He was a USAF NCO Academy Graduate. Soon after WWII, the Army Air Corps became the Air Force, a separate branch, and he was retrained for the B-29 and the B-36, stationed primarily in England, Okinawa and restricted areas. Following Korea he was retrained into the Personal Equipment Field. Over his career he was stationed, among other places, Okinawa, England, Lake Charles, Lowry, March Field, and Bergstrom, Texas. On assignment to Vietnam he was diagnosed with Glaucoma, sadly cutting short a dedicated US Air Force career. John was preceded in death by his parents, Morril and Nina (Nina retired in Dighton in her later years); and a son, John Morril Morris III. John is survived by his wife, Mabel of 64 years; daughters, Judy and Fay; and grandsons, Jason, John and Bill. In addition, he is survived by several cousins, including Dick and Ronald Akers and Brian and Alan Morris.Celebration of Life, 2:00PM, Saturday, April 4, 2015, The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 East Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Saturday, April 4, 2015 2:00PM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855