"Joyce, Family & Many Friends-Diana & I (Joe Fleming) want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to all as we will not be able to join you for the personal memorial service, but offer our strong family spirit and prayers. We will however remember all the wonderful people that our Family has brought together and ask the Good Lord God to watch over you as we all prepare for the forthcoming Holidays! Love to All-Joe and Diana Fleming"
In loving memory of
George Wayne Morris
January 20, 1930 - November 28, 2017
George Wayne Morris, 87, born January 20, 1930 in Burlington, IA, passed peacefully from this life November 28, 2017 at home in Tulsa, OK. He was the son of the late Eva and Paul Morris of Burlington.
He was a graduate of Burlington High School (class of 1947) and earned an Associate's Degree at Burlington Community College. First employed at Farmer's & Merchant's Bank, but with a passion for flying, he enlisted in the USAF (1952), based in Enid, OK. He trained on T-6 Texans and B-25 Mitchells. He received his flight certification prior to his driver's license. He was deployed to Sculthorpe, England in Nov. 1953 and flew B-25's and C-119 'flying boxcars' around Europe.
After returning home in May 1955, he married his lifelong sweetheart, Verna Joyce Mellinger of Burlington, IA on July 4th, 1955. She is the daughter of the late Gladys and Frank Mellinger.
George was hired by American Airlines in Oct. 1955 and his career as F/E, F/O, and Captain spanned 32 years. He enjoyed flying most of AA's fleet including DC-3, Convair 240, DC-6/7, Lockheed Electra, B-707, Convair-990, BAC-111, B-727, DC-10, and B-747 to Europe and the Caribbean. During this time, they settled in Wilton, CT with their three children.
He was preceded in death by the following: parents, brothers Raymond and Dale Morris, and sisters Doris Snook and Pauline Morris.
He is survived by his wife Verna Joyce of 62 years; brother Paul Morris Jr. and wife Dana of Middletown, IA; sister Gail Tinder of Burlington, IA; son Steven and wife Jacqueline of Bentonville, AR, grandson Matthew Morris of Springdale, AR and granddaughter Jenny and husband Joey Roberts of Seven Springs, NC; daughter Joy Grimes of Tulsa, OK, granddaughter Joycilyn and husband Jonathan George of Edmond, OK and grandson Christopher Grimes of Tulsa, OK; son Dennis and wife Annerys of Panama and granddaughter's Jacquelyn and Sophia; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
Cremation provided by Moore Funeral Home, Tulsa, OK.
Family Visitation will be held at Lunning Chapel on Saturday, December 9, 2017 from 9am - 11am with Memorial of Life service immediately following. The Rev. Father Bill Roush will officiate. The Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard will render full military rites. Inurnment will be in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Parkinson's Foundation, Diabetes research, or your local charity. Online condolences may be sent to www.lunningfuneralchapel.com