Omer C. Morris

Omer C. Morris, age 92 years, a resident of rural Simpson, IL (the Flatwoods community), passed away Saturday evening, April 12, 2014, at 10:50 PM at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky. Omer was born October 7, 1921 on the family homestead in the Flatwoods community. He was the son of Wayne & Wandie (Bass) Morris. Omer was united in marriage to Jackie Blackard on June 14, 1946 in Peoria, Illinois. She preceded him in death on March 25, 2013. Survivors include: his sons & daughters-in-law – Mike (Tammy) Morris of Hickory, KY, Steve (Lila) Morris and Phillip (Patty) Morris all of Simpson; 7 grandchildren – Dustin, Shanna, Cody, Andrea, Alisha, Emily, and Neil; 2 great grandsons – Drew and Nolan; a brother & sister-in-law – Donnie (Jolene) Morris of the Flatwoods community; a sister – Faye Bowman of the Dixon Springs community; nieces, nephews, other relatives & many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Omer was preceded in death by: a brother – Floyd Eugene Morris and a brother-in-law – Earl “Pete” Bowman. Omer was a U.S. Army veteran. He served in the Pacific theater of operation during World War II. Omer received two bronze stars for service in Leyte and in Okinawa. Following his honorable discharge from military service, Omer began his working career with a metal fabrication company in Peoria, Illinois. He was re-located by this company to Colorado Springs, Colorado to assist with the opening of a metal fabrication plant. Upon his return to Southern Illinois, Omer worked as an automotive mechanic during a career that spanned 48 years. During this time, Omer was employed by automobile dealerships in Vienna operated by Jim Pearl, Joe Farris, Marion Johns, and John DeLeonardo. Omer was a faithful and devoted member of County Line Baptist Church, where he had served as a trustee for over 50 years. Omer loved working in his yard, his home and garage. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday morning, April 16, 2014, at 11 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Omer’s son, Pastor Mike Morris, will officiate. Burial will be in the Kerley Cemetery in the Flatwoods community. Bro. David Faulkner will conduct the committal service. A military flag presentation service will be accorded by the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail. Visitation will be held from 10 AM – 11 AM Wednesday at Bailey Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Kerley Cemetery, c/o Donnie Morris, 146 Bull Pen Road, Simpson, IL 62985.

Omer C. Morris

October 7, 1921 - April 12, 2014