Morris, John V. 1923 - 2004

MORRIS, THOMPSON, HEIL, BENDA, ROSE

Posted By: A.M.W. (email)
Date: 2/11/2006 at 20:33:19

John Virgil Morris, age 81 of Mt. Pleasant, IA, died Sunday, September 19, 2004 at 2:20 p.m. at his home. Mr. Morris’ body has been deeded to the University of Iowa for medical research. Memorials have been established to the VA Hospital Volunteers in Iowa City and also to the Great River Hospice of Burlington in his memory.

Born August 16, 1923 in Hillsboro, IA, he was the son of Rex S. and Mary L. Thompson Morris. He was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School. Mr. Morris was drafted into the United States Army on July 9, 1943. On December 4,1943, he married Ida Belle Heil in Riverside, CA. She survives.

Virgil served in the European Theater during World War II in Co. D 410th Regt. 103rd Inf. Div. He was discharged from active duty on April 22, 1946 at Jefferson Barracks, MO. Following his discharge, he owned and operated the Phillips 66 station in Mt. Pleasant. He later was employed by DX as a tank wagon salesman for thirty years. Prior to his retirement, he was a custodian at the Mt. Pleasant Junior High School for seven years.

Mr. Morris was a member and former Commander of the V.F.W. and was a of the protestant faith. He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting and gardening. His greatest love was spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Ida Belle of Mt. Pleasant, IA; one son Brian Morris and his wife Darla of Mt. Pleasant, IA; one daughter Bev Benda and her husband Jim of Mt. Pleasant, IA; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother Orville Morris of Fairfield, IA, and by one sister, Patty Jo Rose of Burlington, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents.