'Gene' Morris

Larry Eugene "Gene" Morris, 77, passed away Thursday, June 2, 2022, at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane.

He was born Aug. 6, 1944, in Kirksville, Mo., to Eldon and Mildred Cotter Morris. Gene spent his first three years in Missouri before the family moved to Washington state and the Elberton area near Garfield, where other family members had settled. A few years, later they moved to Colfax.

Eugene attended the Martha Washington School and graduated from Colfax High School in 1963. He joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany as a mechanic. During the Vietnam War, he also served as a photographer in Vietnam and completed his tour of duty in New Jersey. After being honorably discharged, Gene lived in Missouri, Montana, Alaska and Hawaii. He found work in various ways and often as a truck driver, handyman, laborer or caregiver. He returned to Colfax in 1997 to become the primary caregiver for his parents as they got older.

He could often be seen helping at the Thrifty Grandmothers Shop or handling chores or small repairs at the Marcus Place Apartments. He attended Colfax Nazarene Church and more recently had been regularly attending Plymouth Congregational Church. He was also a member of the American Legion in Colfax.

Eugene was a curious child and hyperactive before they really had a name for that. He kept very busy. Although Gene never married he maintained many friendships and was close to his family.

He is survived by brothers, Norman Davis of Kalispell, Mont. and Roy (Thelma) Morris of Colfax; sisters, Elaine Krouse of Colfax and Ilene Suksdorf of Spokane; as well as many nieces and nephews including Lynda (Rich) Kramlich of Colfax. Gene also leaves behind a very special friend, Sara Berntgen, and her family in Oakesdale. He was preceded in death by an infant sister, Drucilla; and his parents, Eldon and Mildred.

A memorial service for Gene will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 25, at Plymouth Congregational Church in Colfax. He will be laid to rest in the Colfax Cemetery. The family suggests memorial gifts in his memory be to Plymouth Congregational Church Elevator Fund. On-line guest book is at http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com.

Corbeill Funeral Homes, Colfax, is in charge of arrangements.