Henry Jefferson Morris, Sr.

Henry Jefferson Morris, Sr.

June 26, 1931 – March 29, 2019

Henry Jefferson Morris, Sr., was born on June 26, 1931 in Edison, Georgia to parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Morris.  His parents separated when he was still very young and he grew up in the area of Columbus, Georgia.

His mother, Arlene married Grady Eugene Tolle when Henry was seven years old.  Grady and Henry became devoted father and son.  Grady served in the U.S. Army and when he retired, moved the family to Dayton, Tennessee.  Later the family returned to Columbus.  Henry remained with his Aunt Cora in Tennessee to finish school.  Christmas, 1950, Henry was told he would be drafted into the Army in January; he responded, “No way!”  He quickly went to Columbus, Georgia in January of 1951 and joined the U.S. Navy instead.  Henry served in the Navy as a hospital corpsman and worked in the operating room as technician at the North Island Naval Air Station Hospital.  He enjoyed his work.

On New Year’s Eve 1954, Henry attended a party where he met the love of his life, declaring, “I’m going to marry you,” to which she promptly replied, “No way!”  Persistence won out and on August 13, 1955, he married Ardeth Havlik and lived happily ever after until his death, 63 years later.

After his military service, Henry entered Dallas Institute-Gupton Jones, College of Mortuary Science. Upon graduation in August of 1964, Henry worked in the Omaha Metro area as a funeral director for many years.

Henry passed away on March 29, 2019.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlene and Grady Tolle, and daughter, Felicity Perpetua.  Henry is survived by wife, Ardeth; their four married children:  Henry Morris, Jr. (Susan), Mary Kerr (Jim), Melissa Napora (Tim), and Phillip Morris (Robin); six grandchildren: Amanda and Jeffrey Morris, Jonathan Napora and Madeline Loughran, Lisa Beirnes and Jane Harrison (Tim); two great-grandchildren, Jake Beirnes and Harper Loughran; and half-sister, Joanne Tucker.  Henry’s generous heart and loving spirit will be greatly missed.

VISITATION begins on Saturday, April 6^th at 10am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2302 Crawford in Bellevue, followed by MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 11am.  Private Interment: Omaha National Cemetery with military honors by US Navy Honor Guard, with Millard American Legion Post 374 & VFW Post 8334. Memorials may be directed to your choice of charity.