Robert W. Morris

Robert W. Morris, 88, of Crawfordsville, Ind., died Jan. 17, 2015.
Robert was born on March 6, 1926, in Crawfordsville to Albert P. and Elford (Brannon) Morris. Robert grew up working in the Morris & Jack Greenhouse business on Country Club Road until he volunteered for military service during World War II. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1944 and was discharged as a seaman first class after serving in Samar, Philippines.
Upon returning from the service, Robert began working at R.R. Donnelley & Sons in Crawfordsville as an apprentice pressman in the sheet fed pressroom. He was a supervisor for 25 years, retiring in March 1989 after 42 years.
Robert married Roberta Susan Furman of Lebanon, Ind., Aug. 17, 1947. Their children are Kathy (Dennis) Wagner of Maple Grove, Minn.; Marcia (Jim) Mixon of White Oaks, N.M.; Richard S. Morris of New Palestine, Ind.; Cindy (David) Demoret of Crawfordsville; Michael (Janet) Morris of Lebanon; Michele (Dennis) Perry and Mark Morris of Crawfordsville. Grandchildren are: Ben Wagner, Kathy Douglas, Cindy Mixon, James Mixon, Justin (Karen) Morris, Nathan (Sarah) Demoret, Ariel Demoret, Joseph (Shanely) Sexton, Jennifer (Shay) Foley, Brooke (Jeremy) Phelps, Kaitlin Perry and Kayla Morris. Great grandchildren: Gabriel, Malachi, & Judah Morris, Savien Sexton, Daniel, Cael, and Brannick Foley, Olivia & John Phelps, and Lucy Smith.
On April 19, 1969, Robert married Mary E. (Wilson) Dukes of Crawfordsville. Their children are Jeanne Dukes (Gary) Jones of Indianapolis and Judy Dukes (Kevin) O’Sullivan of Tampa, Fla. Grandchildren are: Jeff (Elana) Albright, Laura (Andrew) Peden, Kim (Rob) Lamke and Shannon O’Sullivan. Great grandchildren are: Kendall and Delaney Albright, Remley Velde and Keland Lamke.
Robert was a member of the First Baptist Church in Crawfordsville. He worked for the church’s radio station WBBM 106.3. Robert scheduled radio assignments, worked as a DJ and engineered daily church services and Crawfordsville High School basketball games. He served as a deacon along with his father.
Robert was active in American Legion Byron Cox Post 72 for 46 years. Robert was post commander (1976) and held various other offices. He held several offices in District 6 and was elected as a state officer in 2000 and 2001. He was a longtime member of Post 72’s funeral detail.
Robert was a member of the Crawfordsville Masonic Temple #50 for over 50 years. He was a member of the Scottish Rite the Valley of Indianapolis and the Murat Shriners. Robert participated in driving patients to the Chicago Shriners Hospital for Children for many years. Robert enjoyed his time as an active member of the Montgomery Co. Shrine Club, participating in the turtle and mini-cycle parade units. Robert volunteered for the D.A.V. driving veterans to the VA hospitals in Indianapolis and Danville, Ill.
Robert was preceded in death by sisters Betty Dodson and Dorothy Krug; brother Donald R. Morris; ex-wife, Sue Shahan; wife Mary E. Morris; daughter Cindy Demoret, and grandchildren Cara Lynne Morris, Nicholas Perry and Mona Burt.
Memorial contributions to the American Legion Honor Guard in Crawfordsville, Shriners Hospital for Children or D.A.V. in Robert W. Morris’ name are welcomed.