A depression era farm boy, WWII D-day Veteran, and from the Greatest Generation, Frederick B. Morris passed away peacefully, August 3, 2018 with his children at his side. Born to Glen and Irene (Alderink) Morris October 19, 1920, in Orleans, MI. Fred was the eldest of three sons. He graduated from Belding High School in 1938 and proudly served his country in WWII, landing on Utah Beach, June 6, 1944, D-day. Upon returning to the United States, Fred fulfilled his dream to farm and raise beef cattle. Fred contributed to his community in many ways. He served on the Lake Odessa Fair board and as president 37 years. He served on the board of directors for the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (MAFE) and as president in 1985. In 2016, Fred was inducted into the MAFE Hall of Fame. Fred loved fairs, and was instrumental in the construction of many buildings that now stand at the Lake Odessa Fair grounds. Fred also won the 1962 National Corn Picking Championship in Grand Island, Nebraska representing Ford Motor Company. Fred served on the Campbell Township Board, was a member of several Agricultural organizations, including Farm Bureau, Michigan Hereford Association and Michigan Maple Syrup Association. He had a passion for making maple syrup and has passed this passion on to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Besides good health, Fred believed there are two components to living a long life. First, do what you love and you will never work a day of your life and second, have the ability to withstand adversity. Fred was successful at both of these. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers and sisters-in law, Glen Jr. and Eleanor Morris, Kenneth and Shirley Morris, son Robert Morris and daughter-in law Jane Morris. Fred is survived by his children: Patsy (Dale) Selin, Kary Morris, Karl (Lisa) Morris, David (Melissa) Morris, Gloria (John) Sorensen, Karen (Jonathon) Kaetzel, 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and a niece and nephew. Visitation will be held on August 9, 2018 from 2pm until 4pm and 6pm until 8pm at Koops Funeral Chapel, Lake Odessa. Per Fred’s request burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions maybe made to: Jane M. Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund Barry Community Foundation, 231 S. Broadway St. Hastings, MI 49058, or VFW-Alta Mae Frost Scholarship Fund, VFW Post 4461, Lake Odessa, MI 48849. Online condolences can be left at www.koopsfc.com Donations may be made to: Alta Mae Frost VFW Scholarship Fund 3600 W. Tupper Lake Road, Lake Odessa MI 48846 Jane B. Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund, Barry County Community Foundation 231 S. Broadway St., Hastings MI 49058
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Frederick B Morris October 19 1920 August 3 2018 (age 97).
Koops Funeral Chapel: Lake Odessa Chapel
Death notice for the town of: Lake Odessa, state: Michigan