John Paul Morris, age 78, of Thedford, Nebraska, passed away Nov. 10, 2020, at Great Plains Health in North Platte with his family by his side.
John Paul Morris, son of John Samuel and Lillian Olive (Tolle) Morris, was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Nov. 26, 1941. They moved to Thedford when John Paul was two years old.
John Paul graduated from Thomas County High School in 1959. He was a member of the United States Marines from 1960 to 1964.
John Paul married Josephine Barnes on Nov. 22, 1964. To this union four daughters were born - Jonita, Joleen, Jolinda and Jamie.
John Paul ran the Morris Skelly Service and drove cattle truck for his father for 20 years. He drove truck for American Colliod for 18 years. He then drove truck for Pearson’s until his retirement due to health reasons.
John Paul was an avid bowler. He traveled to Reno to bowl in the Team and Couple’s National Bowling Tournament. He placed 8th in the National Senior Tournament in 2010. He was a member of the American Legion and was a Boy Scout and then later became a Scout Master for several years. He was a member of the United Church of Christ of Thedford for 61 years.
During retirement he enjoyed coffee and tea with the afternoon group at the Life Center.
John Paul enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and his yearly camping trips with friends.
John Paul was preceded in death by his parents John and Olive Morris, sister LilliAnn Kemp, father and mother-in-law Earl and Alice Barnes, brothers and sister-in-law Myron and Delores Barnes and Harold Barnes, and a niece Gloria Crapson.
John Paul is survived by his wife Josephine of Thedford, daughters Jonita (Raymond) Ferguson, Joleen (Timothy) Jensen, Jolinda Morris all of Pilger, Jamie (Shannon) Placke of Grand Island, grandchildren Matthew, Allison and Samuel Ferguson, Thomas and Bridgett Jensen, Logan and Cameron Placke, Kyle (Sara) Jensen, Tanner Jensen, greatgrandchildren Persephone Jensen, Kree and Baker Jensen, several nieces, nephews and many friends.
Funeral service was Nov. 16, 2020, at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Thedford with Pastor Les Parmenter and Pastor Ron Masten officiating. Burial was in the Hillcrest Cemetery with Military Honors in Thedford.
Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.
Mullen Funeral Home/Govier Brothers Mortuary in charge of arrangements. An online guest book may be signed for words of encouragement or remembrance at www.govierbrothers.com.
Mullen Funeral Home/ Govier Brothers Mortuary will comply with the CDC and State of Nebraska.