It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Perry A. Morris (Junior), age 87 after a life well lived on June 6th, 2026 surrounded by his wife and the large family he loved so well.

From humble beginnings during the great depression Perry was born in St. Joseph, MO on June 26, 1938 to Perry & Margarette Morris and was raised with his 5 brothers and sisters in Elwood, KS. Perry graduated from Elwood High School in 1956, but at age 17 convinced his father to give permission for him to join the Marine Reserves to which he served from 1955-1958. Perry also proudly served his country with honor and dignity as a veteran of the United States Air Force from 1958-1962. Those who knew him understood that the discipline, honor, and sacrifice he learned in the service shaped the way he lived his life and loved his family. Very seldom did you see him without a hat that displayed the branches of military he was honored to serve.

On his birthday on June 26, 1959 Perry married Shirley Elaine Hayward and to this day they have shared almost 67 years together. After serving his country, Perry and Shirley built a life in Elwood anchored in hard work, honesty, and unwavering devotion to their family. He is survived by his wife and their 4 children Perri Armes (Rick) of Elwood, KS, Michelle Kelly (Curt) of Kearney, MO, Scott Morris (Paula) of Holton, KS and Jody Morris (Kim) of Platte City, MO.

Perry supported his family well through a number of jobs and professions. He worked at Armour Packing House, TWA Airlines, and Burlington Northern Railroad before owning his own pallet business in Elwood, KS (Morris Pallets) and a full service filling station in St. Joseph, MO (Clayton's Gas Station). After losing their home and pallet business in the flood of 1993, he went to work at Missouri Western State College in the maintenance department until he retired in 2003.

The highlight of his days was when grandkids came along. He rocked babies, played with toddlers, went to countless ball games, high school, college and military graduations. He supported them in every way he possibly could and to say he loved his grandkids fiercely would still be an understatement. Because of the example and genuine love he has shown to each one of them, his wisdom and legacy will live long in the hearts of each generation that follows. He is survived by his grandchildren Charity, Betsy (Brandon), Jillian (Sean), Michael (Tara), McClain (Elizabeth), Jordan (Meredith), Ali and Drew (Amanda). His heart was broken when he was preceded in death by his granddaughter Kelsey. Also holding a special place in his heart were his Great-grandchildren Katie, Kennedy, Peyton, Morgan, Jackson, Brayden, Miller and Asher, along with 2 Great-Great grandkids Parker and Theo.

And though our world feels a little dimmer without him in it, we will carry him with us in the way he taught us the value of perseverance, the way we show up for people, the way we lend a helping hand like he did, and most importantly his example of how to love unconditionally. "A life that touches others goes on forever."

Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Thursday, June 11, 2026. At the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.

Visitation: 6-8 P.M. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Friends may call after 10:00 A.M. Wednesday.

Burial: Bellemont Cemetery, Wathena, Kansas.

Memorials: Wathena EMS.

www.harmanrohde.com