Vernon J. “Vern” Morris Sr., 85, Hays, died Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Norton County Hospital.
He was born October 9, 1936, in Hays, the son of Raymond and Elizabeth (Burgardt) Morris. Vern was a veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps. On July 13, 1957, he was united in marriage to Charmaine Kamai in Honolulu, Hawaii, and they were married nearly 65 years. He worked as a mechanic for John Deere and later on repaired small gas engines and lawnmowers. Vern was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, tinkering and fixing anything, and growing fresh produce in his vegetable garden.
Survivors include his wife: Charmaine of Hays, two sons: Vernon J. Morris, Jr. and wife Sue of Logan and Verlon Morris of Spring Hill, three daughters: Virgie Knoedler and husband Steven of Hays, Veronica Rogers of Ottawa, and Vermay DeRossi of Lawrence, a brother: Harold Morris of Fort Collins, CO, a sister: Carol Ostrom of Hays, twelve grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son: Verdale, and three sisters: Janice Edds, Norma Jean Morris, and Fredrica Maddox.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Fr. Richard Daise officiating. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery with military honors by The Marine Corps League and the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until service time.
Memorials are suggested to Logan Manor for the multi-generational project. Condolences and memories of Vern may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com