Leon G. Morris

Leon G. Morris, 75, of Battle Creek died at Borgess Medical Center on Saturday, April 20, 2013.

He was born September 2, 1937 in Tivoli, NY to Ernest and Emma (Holsipple) Morris. Leon graduated from Tivoli High School and then joined the U.S. Nary. He served with the U.S. Navy for five years, serving nearly four years at sea. Leon retired from the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where he was employed in physical therapy and a variety of other departments over his 32 year career. After retiring he was employed in building maintenance for 12 years at Sam's Club.

Leon was united in marriage to Marie L. Prince nearly 50 years ago on September 28, 1963 at St. Philip Catholic Church. Surviving are his wife, Marie; his children, Beth Ann Broadhurst of Indianapolis, IN, Joseph G. Morris of Dowling, William F. (Janell) Morris of Bloomingdale, GA, Everett E. (Heather) Morris of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Daniel (Melissa), Jason (Colleen), Marlee, Jenna, Cassie, Mitchell, Allie and Mason; a great-grandson, Xander; and two brothers, Robert and Carl Morris both of Upstate NY. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, Kenneth Rifenburg, a brother, Philip Morris and a sister, Beatrice Rogers.

Leon was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church; was a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the American Legion and the V.F.W. He was a former Cub and Boy Scout Leader and volunteered at the B.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center with the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and working with wood. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren, traveling with Marie and fixing broken nutcrackers.

Friends will be received 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, where the Rosary will be recited 7:00 p.m. Monday.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be officiated by Msgr. Leo Cartagena at St. Joseph Catholic Church 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2013. Military honors and interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus or the Patient Activity Fund at the B.C.V.A Medical Center. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.