Joseph Aaron Morris

Joseph Aaron Morris, 80, Kansas City, Kansas, passed away, surrounded by his family Thursday, September 16, 2010, at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.

Joseph was born June 15, 1930, to Ai Morris and Elsie Morris of Spencer, Iowa. As one of six farm kids Joseph grew up with a strong work ethic and a love of nature. Joseph joined the U.S. Army and served as a cook during the Korean War where he met his wife Melba Lungstrom Morris.

Joseph worked for Simmons Mattress Company, owned his own lawn and landscaping company, Morris Maintenance Inc., and retired from the Turner School District. Joseph was never one to sit around and was involved with the Kansas City, Kansas Republican party, Master Gardeners, and was an avid Christian that helped others. Joseph loved to garden and do woodworking. Joseph's favorite saying was, "can't never tried." "If you don’t try to accomplish something then you will never know if you would be good at it or not."

For the last 2 years Joseph has been a loving caregiver to his wife Melba, who resides at Shawnee Gardens Nursing Home. They were married 56 years.

Joseph is survived by is wife, Melba Lungstrom Morris; sisters Bethal Smith of Shell Knob, Missouri and June Scott of Spencer Iowa; son, David D. Morris; daughter, Mary E. Morford; two grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Joseph will be missed by his family and friends but is now in the arms of his heavenly father.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers a memorial contribution be sent to Rebuilding Together Shawnee, 10914 Johnson Drive Shawnee, Kansas 66203.

Visitation and Graveside Service

Visitation will be 2-4 pm, Sunday, September 26, 2010, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Graveside service will be 10:00 am, Monday, September 27, 2010, at the Leavenworth National Cemetery.