John Morris
In Memory of
John A.
Morris
1927 - 2017
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Freeman Mortuary
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
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Diane {Porth} Southerlin
"My father, Harold {Bud} Porth worked with John Morris at Central Trust until his"
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Jack & Marilyn Mohatt
"We lost a warm wonderful man. He was loved by his family and by the Mohatts who "
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Sam and Carol Colombo
"Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. He will be missed. Stay strong and"
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Shannon and Joe Chapman
"Condolences to Patty and their children. He was one of my first fishing buddies"
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Paul Findlay
"My heartfelt condolences go to the Morris family. Many fond memories of our time"
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Obituary for John A. Morris

John A.  Morris
Longtime civic leader and banker John A. Morris passed away at his home on February 8, 2017, surrounded by his family. John was born to Mount Etna and Helen Adamson Morris on December 12, 1927 in Dadeville, Missouri. On March 10, 1951, he married Mary Patricia (Patty) Montgomery in Maryville, Missouri. They settled in Jefferson City, where they resided for the next 66 years.

John graduated from high school in Trenton, Missouri in 1945. He then enrolled at the University of Missouri, where he joined the Beta Theta Pi social fraternity. He graduated from M.U. in 1950 with a degree in Business and Public Administration. After graduation, John continued to support his alma mater and, in 1959, served as President of the University of Missouri National Alumni Association. While attending the University, John served his country as an enlisted officer in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Fort Lawton, Washington and honorably discharged in 1948. After earning his undergraduate degree, John continued his education and received his M.B.A. from The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Finance.

In 1951, John began his employment with the Central Missouri Trust Company (now Central Bank). He remained there until his retirement in 1988. During his tenure with Central Bank, John furthered his education by attending the A.B.A. Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University and the School of Finance and Public Relations at Northwestern University. John was a senior vice-president at Central, serving as Director of Retail Banking and Director of Marketing. In 1983, he was appointed Chairman of the Missouri Bankers’ Association Marketing Committee.

John was always active in the Jefferson City community. He served as chairman of the Cole County Fair and president of the Jefferson City Jaycees, receiving the Jaycee’s Distinguished Service Award as the City’s Outstanding Young Man of 1956. He was a Mason (32nd degree), a member of Post #5 of the American Legion, and a member of the Jefferson City Lion’s Club. John was also active in the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce, serving as its President in 1964 and, later, as the Director Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council. He was on the first Jefferson City Charter Commission. He also served as president of the Memorial Community Hospital Board of Trustees. Additionally, he served on the YMCA Board of Directors, the Advisory Board for the Metro Business College, was a fundraising chairman for the United Way, and was a member of the Cole County Historical Society Board of Directors. From 1975-1987, John served on the Jefferson City Salvation Army Board of Directors, and was president for one of those years. In 1960, John was designated an Honorary Colonel by Governor John M. Dalton. He was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving in several capacities, including that of ruling elder.

John also served our public schools. He served two terms on the Jefferson City Board of Education. During his service to the Board of Education, he was twice elected President. John also served as Co-Chairman of two Jefferson City School Bond Issues, in 1969 and 1979.

John enjoyed a long, rich and fulfilling life that centered around his family, always the most important thing in his life.

Survivors include: Patty, his wife of sixty-six years; his children: Sarah Riddick and her husband John of Columbia, MO; David Morris and his wife Lea of Melbourne Beach, FL; Robert Morris and his wife Nancy of Portland, ME; Matthew Morris of Jefferson City, MO; and Jane Berry and her husband Michael of Jefferson City, MO. Other survivors include nine grandchildren: John Wright of Columbia, MO., Elizabeth Morris of San Diego, CA; Andrew Morris and his wife Tara of Newport, RI; Lindsay Riddick of Austin, TX; Jack Morris of Portland, Maine; Georgia Morris of Burlington, VT; Ben Morris of Springfield, MO; Josh Morris of Jefferson City, MO; Sam Schlueter of Jefferson City, MO; and two great-grandchildren, Ryan and Declan Morris of Newport, RI.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, June and Fred Croce, and one nephew, Peter Morris Croce.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be conducted at 10:00 am Friday, February 17, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Dr. Robert Erickson and the Reverend Dr. David Henry officiating.

Visitation will follow in Knox Hall at the First Presbyterian Church at 11:00 am Friday, February 17, 2017.

The family requests no flowers with memorial contributions suggested to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 722 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10017.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.

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