John Morris' Obituary
JOHN "Jack" WESLEY MORRIS age 80 years, of Lewes, Delaware passed away Thursday May 11, 2006 at Harbor Health Care Center in Lewes, DE. Jack and his twin brother, Tom, sons of Thomas B. and Elizabeth Steelman Morris, were born in Beebe Hospital on September 10, 1925.
Their mother died in childbirth and the twins were reared by their aunt and uncle, Lena & Raymond Carpenter, on their dairy farm near Lewes. Jack was attracted to the land and as a lad of ten started cultivating the soil. He continued the practice into adulthood, and after inheriting the farm, oversaw its agricultural use until his death. Disturbed by the loss of agricultural acreage to development, Jack and his wife in recent years placed the farm in Delaware Farmland Preservation.
Following graduation from Lewes High School in 1943 he joined the Merchant Marine and traveled the world during the remaining years of WW II. He operated an ESSO service station at Thompson's Corner (site of McDonalds) for eight years in the 1950's. Upon relinquishing the business, he was employed for the next 27 years by ExxonMobil out of Salisbury, Maryland as a motor tank salesman.
Simultaneously, he and his wife operated Jack's Trailer Park at Midway, now the site of the Rehoboth Mall. For several years in partnership with Earl Warrington, he operated Midway Fuel Company.
A consistently active member of Groome United Methodist Church of Lewes for the past half-century, Jack was honored in 2003 by a resolution of the Administrative Council upon completion of his lengthy service as chairperson of the Council. He sang in the church choir and enjoyed singing with Bill Earl's Men's Chorus. He was a 32 degree mason and member of Jefferson Masonic Lodge #15 in Lewes.
Jack was predeceased in 2004 by his wife of 54 years, the former Helen Downs, and also by their daughter April Beauchamp, his twin brother Thomas, and sisters Margaret Barbarita, Marie McMakin and Betty Chapman.
He is survived by his daughter Patricia Morris; grandchildren Shelly Beauchamp of Brigantine, NJ, and John Beauchamp of Lewes; former sons-in-laws Gary Price and William Beauchamp; sisters-in-law Hazel Brittingham, and Lois Downs; several nieces and nephews, and special caregiver, Grenda Coombs.
Funeral services will be held on Monday May 15, 2006 at 11:00 AM at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE where friends may call one hour prior to services. Burial will follow at Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to the Groome United Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 299, Lewes, DE 19958 or to your favorite charity of choice.
On line condolences may be sent to [email protected]
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