Merl Dean Morris

Merl Dean Morris was born June 4, 1950 to the loving parents John Elmer and Norma Lee (Boyd) Morris in Delta County. He was born second of five children. Older brother Gordon, younger brothers Nolan and John, and baby sister Iva.  He and his family moved about the Delta and Cedaredge areas and lived in Arizona for a brief period of his childhood. They later returned to the Pea Green area and then eventually to the Clifton and Palisade area there he remained through his teenage years. He had many friends and relatives and many adventures were had and many memories of young men with cars, motorbikes and general fun was made. Some here today can still remember those times with a fond smile upon their face. Merl graduated from Palisade High School in 1968. He then started dating the love of his life the beautiful, Linda Jolene McGehee. Merl was baptized into the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn on May 4, 1969. They were happily united in marriage on June 28, 1969 by Bro. Bob Byers. They had been married just a short 7 months and he was then drafted into the Vietnam War in February 1970 and served his country in Germany as an office assistant for his commanding officer. He served his country for 1 year and 10 months and was honorably discharged.  Merl and Linda were blessed with 2 beautiful daughters Heather Dione (Morris) Easter born April of 1973 and Kara Dawn (Morris) Byers born March 1975. Merl and Linda were led by the Lord to Winkelman Arizona in 1976. They were greatly loved by the brethren of that part and their faith was greatly increased during that time. They saw many miracles and god’s work in their lives.  They returned to the Olathe area in 1978. In 1984 they moved to the Grand Junction area and Merl was ordained as an elder on June 22 1985. He adapted to his new office quickly and dearly loved the brethren. In 2001 they were blessed with their first grandchild Seth Byers. Seth loving called his grandpa “Poppy” and then it was so. Then in 2004 Poppy and Omma were blessed with a granddaughter Ella Byers. In 2009 they again were blessed with Brody Byers. Their grandchildren brought bright and joyful memories and they loved them greatly and talked of them often in conversation. Merl was always concerned with the welfare of his family and family to him meant more than just blood. He was the Dad and Uncle that always said “Call me when you get there” He was the one that would call to make sure you remember to change your clocks when the time changed, he also was the one that made sure you had enough of whatever was needed.  He wanted to make sure you were making it to church. He gently reminded us “Let’s remember to live for the Lord.” Merl loved the little children and they loved him as well. He always made sure to speak to all his brethren and ask about their wellbeing. Many of us remember his Butter Pecan or Strawberry Bread that he brought to our dinners and functions.  Many of you have dear memories of him in your life and time would not permit of the many stories of this beloved man.

Merl was preceded in death by His parents Elmer and Norma, His wife Linda, Brother Gordon Morris, Sister Iva Jennings, Granddaughter Ella Byers. Son-in-law Bobbie Easter, 4 sisters-in laws Carol Morris, Rhonda Morris, Elaine Morris, Lila Morris. 3 brothers-in-law Leroy Morris, Rick Jennings and David young.

Merl was survived by those who cherish his memory 2 daughters Heather Easter of Grand Junction Colo. Kara Byers and Husband Shane of Olathe Colo. 2 grandsons Seth and Brody Byers of Olathe Colo. 2 brothers Nolan Morris and wife Merlene of Fairview Okla. John Morris and wife Tracy of Seiling Okla. Numerous close nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends

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