Larry Morris

Larry Dean Morris, age 69, of Stanton, passed away Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Spectrum Health-Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. The son of Wilmer C. and Ruby Mae (Stearns) Morris, he was the first baby born in the then "new" Sheridan Hospital on July 31, 1944. Following his graduation from Sheridan Agricultural School in 1962, where was elected Senior Class president, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was a veteran of the Vietnam era, serving as an Air Policeman. After retiring from the G.M. Oldsmobile plant in Lansing in April of 2001, he also worked at Bookwalter Motor Sales in Stanton and Steve Winnie Auto Sales in Edmore. Larry had a great zest for life and lived it to the fullest. In his retired years, if you couldn't find him on the golf course, you may have found him on Derby Lake with friends, or at the Moose lodge playing cards. Regardless of where you found him, he always had a joke on hand and a cold beverage to share. Larry was a beloved father and grandfather. He was also a rescue father to many foster children through the years. He changed lives for the better. Larry had a great capacity for work and giving. He was the man who would show up without being asked, to help you take your dock out for the season, or fix your car, or refill your plate. He took pride in being a part of the Derby Lake Association and played a big role in organizing and setting up for lake events. He was fondly loved by his family at the lake. He will be remembered warmly and with a smile and a laugh as we reminisce and reflect how Larry affected and changed our lives. He made the world a better place. May he rest in peace until we can be with him again. He was preceded in death by his father, Wilmer, on July 5, 2008; by his mother, Ruby, on June 22, 2009; and by an infant brother, Laverne. Surviving are his children, Natalie & Brian Lake of Battle Creek, Windy & Keith Winkle of Sarasota, Florida, and Chad & Stephanie Morris of Corwith, Iowa; his grandchildren, Mikaela Lake, Heather Cairns, Christopher Menke, Cameron Turner, Erica Foote, Halie Ten Eyck, Madison Ten Eyck, Riley Morris, Keegan Morris, and Arianna Morris; three brothers, Gilbert & Margaret Morris, Don & Sandy Morris of Big Rapids, and Charlie & Dee Morris of Walker Lake, Nevada; nieces and nephews, Kathy Sanders, Nick Morris, Angie Vandenberg, Jack Morris, Gale Hebel, Stacy Roberts, Jeffrey Morris, and Michael Morris; numerous great nieces and great nephews; and many dear friends. Visitation is from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Friday at Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, where envelopes for memorial contributions for either the Stanton American Legion or for the wishes of the family are available. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Beth Haven Baptist Church, 1158 W. Carson City Road, Sheridan (east of Greenville on M-57 near Brown Road), where the family will also receive relatives and friends one hour prior to services. Military honors, rendered by the U.S. Air Force will conclude the ceremonies and a luncheon will follow. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Larry Morris, please visit our flower store.