David Morris

SIKESTON, Mo -- David Franklin "Doc" Morris, 78, of Sikeston peacefully passed away at his home, surrounded by his wife and daughters, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015.

He was born Oct. 12, 1936, in Ridgeway, Illinois, to the late Clifford Keasler Morris and Eva May Ellen Justice Morris. He was a 1954 Sikeston High School graduate. Dr. Morris graduated in May 1960 from the University of Missouri-Columbia, earning his bachelor of science in agriculture and his doctorate of veterinary medicine.

David and Nannette Kay Richter were united in marriage June 1, 1960, in Columbia, Missouri.

He began practicing veterinary medicine in Marceline, Missouri, before returning to Sikeston to a location on North Kingshighway. In 1961, Dr. Morris moved his practice to the Fairview School House on Highway 61 South, where he treated both large and small animals. In 2001, he moved his practice into Sikeston to a new facility on Brunt Boulevard. Licensed in both Missouri and Kentucky, he continued to treat animals until May of this year.

Dr. Morris was a lifetime member of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association and the Sikeston Optimist Club. He also was involved with the American Veterinary Medical Association, SEMO Veterinary Association, Missouri Cattlemen's Association, Missouri Veterinary Licensing Board and the Southern Scott County Ambulance Board.

After practicing veterinary medicine for over 50 years, "Doc" was inducted into the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation's Veterinary Honor Roll of Missouri in April 2014. This honor is given to MVMA member veterinarians who have demonstrated leadership in their community and/or profession.

David Morris played an active role in the community, co-founding and coaching the Girls City Softball League in Sikeston and developing the BMX track at the Recreational Complex.

He was a charter member of the Sikeston High School Science Fair, where he judged projects for 40-plus years.

Starting as chairman of the Sikeston Optimist Club Christmas Shoe project, he expanded the project over the past 45 years, where annually over 300 pairs of shoes and socks are put on children.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

David's hobbies included driving his orange lucky number "7" dirt-track race car and playing racquetball. More recently, he spent time on his Kentucky cattle farm, enjoying nature, gardening, working his cattle and spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Steven Franklin Morris; four sisters, Carrie Raben, Ruby Lankford, Opal Nicholson and Pearl DeBoard; and two brothers, Clifford B Morris and R.L. Morris.

In addition to his wife and dog Millie, survivors include three daughters and three sons-in-law, Allegra Anne (Steve) Stroder of Jackson, Tammy Lynn (Steven) Burch of Sikeston, and Michelle Renee (Tim) Martin of Bernie, Missouri. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Bailey Nicole Martin and Shelby Renee Martin of Columbia, Missouri, and David Morgan Burch of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; one brother, Edgar Lee (Norma) Morris of Mobile, Alabama; and one sister-in-law, Carol Morris Whitler of Jackson; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ponder Funeral Home.

The funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jennifer Bell Moxley as associate pastor and the Rev. Mike Wondel as officiating pastor.

Burial will follow in Sikeston Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Bill Raben, Jim Raben, Jim Morris, Gene Morris, Dr. Cliff Morris, Ken Morris, Lee Morris, Charles Morris and Dennis Morris.

Honorary pallbearers will be Rob Branom, John Barnett, Lee Shell, Murray Sullivan, Mac Wheetley, Dr. Chris Shew, Dr. Brian Heuring, Dr. Joe Baker, Ron Elliott and Mark Deane.

The family requests memorial contributions to be made to the First United Methodist Church of Sikeston, the Missouri Delta Medical Center Foundation in Sikeston or the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation in Jefferson City, Missouri.