Thomas “Tom” B. Morris, of West Scranton, passed away Tuesday at PAM Specialty Hospital of Wilkes Barre, after an illness. He was 80 years old.
Surviving is the love of his life, Susan (Thomas) Morris. Together for over 56 years, the couple married on April 27, 1969.
A Scranton native, Tom was born on August 26, 1944. He was the loving son-in-law to Lemuel and Jessie Thomas. A 1963 graduate of West Scranton High School, he was a football standout and a member of the City squad for the ’63 City-County Dream Game. A proud U.S. Veteran, Tom was a member of the United State Marine Corps, serving during the Vietnam War, while earning numerous awards and accolades for his service. He attained the rank of Sgt. prior to his honorable discharge, while also becoming an expert marksman and rifle range coach and serving as the personal driver for Commanding General, Ormand Simpson. During his days in the U.S.M.C., he continued his football career which led to a scholarship offer from Upper Iowa State University. He long remained a member of the American Legion and the Marine Corp. League.
Settling in Muncy where he began raising his family, he worked for Helms Trucking for many years prior to retiring from NJ Transit. In Muncy, he proudly operated his own farm while raising cattle and sheep and serving as a self-taught veterinarian along the journey. With his family also actively involved in the farming operations, he absolutely loved his days as a farmer. A lifelong animal lover, he leaves behind his buddy, his pup “Moose.”
Tom will forever be remembered in so many ways. He loved his time on the water at Elk Lake where he would learn to become an excellent water skier and scuba diver. A jack of all trades, he was a talented handyman whose skill set was never-ending.
Now at peace and with his two sons by his side, Tom will never be forgotten.
Along with Susan, he is survived by his brother Jack Morris and wife Eileen, of Scranton; son Mark Morris and wife Elizabeth of Scranton; his daughters-in-law, Samantha Morris of Scranton and Dr. Christine Nation of MD; sister-in-law Patti Morris, of Scranton; seven grandchildren, Shawnna, Alyssa, Alison, Dylan, Dante, Evan and Austin Morris; three great grandchildren, Bentley, Ally and Oliver Morris; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two sons, David and Jack Morris; and one brother, Howard Morris.
His loved ones will forever be grateful to all of those who selflessly cared for Tom including Dr. Armando Sallavanti; devoted caregivers Samantha Morris and Alexis Ruger; PAM Specialty Hospital staff; and the countless dear friends and loving family for their kindness and support throughout the years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s name to Camp Freedom, 284 #7 Road, Carbondale, Pa., 18407.
A celebration of his life will be announced with arrangements under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.
His loved ones will forever be grateful to all of those who selflessly cared for Tom including Dr. Armando Sallavanti; devoted caregivers Samantha Morris and Alexis Ruger; PAM Specialty Hospital staff; and the countless dear friends and loving family for their kindness and support throughout the years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s name to Camp Freedom, 284 #7 Road, Carbondale, Pa., 18407.
A celebration of his life will be announced with arrangements under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.
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