Herbert E. Morris

Herbert E. Morris ObituaryReverend Herbert Edgar Morris, born February 14, 1923 in Roselle, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2014. He was the sixth of nine children born to Samuel Cary and Mary Livingston Morris. Herb grew up near Indian Lake in New Jersey, some 32 miles from New York City where his father worked constructing skyscrapers as a Hoisting Engineer. Herb worked in purchasing for a division of General Motors prior to WWII. A decorated veteran, he served in the First Special Service Force of the U.S. Army and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. His unit was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and was the basis for the movie, "The Devil's Brigade". Following the war Herb received an honorary commission as Colonel in the Executive Department of Louisiana before moving to Washington, D.C. He married Betty Anne McFarlane Morris and they graduated together from American University. Herb received a Master of Divinity from Drew University and was ordained a Pastor in the Methodist Church, where he served churches in Washington D.C., New Jersey, Minnesota, Idaho and Oregon. Herb was a popular preacher and speaker, heavily involved in community affairs. He was on the board of Rose Villa Retirement Community for over 15 years and served as the first board chairman of Clackamas Community College in Oregon. Herb was an active Rotary Club leader, past president of the YMCA, manager of Albany Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society unit leader, and was Oregon State president of the Sons of the American Revolution.Throughout his life Herb was also very active in Masonic organizations, receiving two of the highest Order of DeMolay awards: The Chevalier Degree and the Legion of Honor. He served as Masonic Worshipful Master at several lodges, was Masonic Grand Chaplain in Oregon twice, and a Past Patron of the Order of Eastern Star three times. He became a 32nd degree mason and member of the Portland Scottish Rite. Herb's wife of 60 years, Betty Anne MacFarlane Morris, preceded him in death March, 2011. Herb is survived by two brothers Robert Morris (wife Francis) and Orr Morris (wife Gwen), his sister Olive Barnes, and Herb's children: Mary E. Jones (husband Douglas) of Portland, OR, John C. Morris (wife Mitzi) of Seattle, WA, Ruth A. Villaverde (husband Ignacio Villaverde) of Ft. Myers, FL, and six grand and five great grandchildren. The family would like to express their gratitude to his dedicated and loving caregivers at Pinehurst Services Adult Family Home and the UW Northwest Hospital & Medical Center. A memorial service to celebrate Herb's life will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, April 1, 2014, at Cornwell Colonial Chapel in Wilsonville, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org, or to the Herb & Betty Morris Scholarship Fund, Clackamas Community College Foundation, 19600 Molalla Avenue, Oregon City, OR 97045.

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Herbert E. Morris

February 14, 1923 - March 22, 2014