George Melvin Morris was born November 21, 1940 to George and Faith Morris in Durango, Colorado. He died in his home on November 8, 2024 surrounded by his family after being on hospice for seven months. Dad finally got his last wish which was to go home to Jesus. His strong faith in God has seen him through his life, and his example of this faith has carried on to his children and grandchildren. His compassion and giving of himself to serve others as the Lord has led him always was a priority in his life.
To his family he always went by Melvin, but everyone else knew him as George. When he was two years old his family moved to Nampa, Idaho where he would spend the rest of his childhood years. Three years after moving to Nampa brother BJ would join the family, and another two years later brother Don was born.
George spent his childhood years hunting, fishing, and camping. After school he would hurry home so he would be the first one to hunt ducks on the ditch bank near their family home. The family spent a lot of time up at Boiling Springs when he was growing up. In 1959 he graduated from Nampa High School and later that year he would join the army where he would serve until 1962. He attended basic training at Ft. Ord in California and then airplane mechanic school at Ft. Rucker, Alabama then was sent to serve the rest of his time in Panama where he was a crew chief on a L19 and Otter.
George met Mary Lou Ward in early 1964, and were united in marriage on June 5, 1964. The couple’s first home was in Kuna, Idaho. Their first child, Vance, was born May 5, 1966. Three years later their daughter, Shelly, joined the family on March 2. The family was complete when their third child, a son, Mike was born on November 8, 1972. George and MaryLou’s family was now complete.
George and MaryLou lived in several places including: Kuna; Boise; Nacogdoches, Texas; Lewiston, Troy, and finally Weiser. He also worked several jobs that include working at Trailer Supplies store, being a UPS driver, working at a Cedar Mill, preaching, becoming a teacher, and serving as the Principal of Pioneer School in Weiser for over 20 years until he retired in 2001.
George continued to love hunting, fishing, and camping throughout his life until he was no longer able to do so. Most of all he loved his family and spending time with them. He attended almost every sporting event of his children, grandchildren, and was able to attend two of his great grandson’s wrestling matches which he loved. It wasn’t just sporting events, he also attended any program his children and grandchildren were in at school. He was blessed to see some of the programs his three great grandsons were in as well. He was always there to support his family and be their biggest fan. He was blessed with a great granddaughter in July and being able to hold her brought him such joy.
His final months he was filled with lots of family time especially with his beloved wife and three children. When his grandchildren and great grandchildren came to visit, his face would light up.
George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Faith, brother BJ and two infant siblings. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years Mary Lou, sons Vance Morris, Mike (Stacy) Morris, daughter Shelly (Brian) Graham, Grandchildren: Christy, Brittiany, Annaka, Matt, and Ivy, Great Grandchildren: Landon, Jaymeson, Cohen and Sutton Mae, brother Don Morris and several nephews and nieces.
Our family would like to thank Horizon Hospice and their wonderful staff who by far are the best. Their compassion and care was a huge blessing to our dad and us as well. Also a special thanks to Allan for all his care, compassion and kindness.
Funeral services will be on Friday the 15th at 1:30 at Thomason’s Funeral home with graveside services to follow immediately afterwards.
