1927
Donald
2025
Donald Morris
February 6, 1927 — September 1, 2025
Donald F. Morris, 98, a proud World War II veteran, lifelong educator, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and community volunteer, passed away peacefully in his room at the VA Medical Center on September 1, 2025. A lifelong resident of Chillicothe, Ohio, Don lived a life defined by service, integrity, and quiet dedication to others.
Don was born February 6, 1927, in Belmont County Ohio to Chester and Elizabeth Morris. Upon turning 18 years old, he served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II. After returning home, he completed his high school education and was recruited to play football for the Ohio University Bobcats. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Education, laying the groundwork for a career in public education.
Don began his professional life with Chillicothe City Schools, where he taught, coached, and officiated sports. He went on to earn a Master's degree in Education Administration, and in 1966, he was appointed Principal of Unioto Junior High and High School, where he served with honor and distinction until his retirement in 1985. Don's calm leadership and commitment to students and staff left a lasting legacy in the school and wider community. He was inducted into the Unioto Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013, recognized for his contributions to the school's sports program for young men and women during his 20-year tenure.
On October 27, 1951, Donald married Beatrice (Zeleznik) Morris, the love of his life and his steadfast partner for over 54 years. Together, they raised four children, building a family grounded in love, support, and strong values. After retirement, Don and Bea spent many joyful years traveling the country in their motor home, enjoying annual winter-trips to Florida and a close-knit community of fellow travelers and friends. Don served as president of the local chapter of Good Sam Club travel group, and he facilitated a college scholarship awarded by Good Sam that helped many students and meant a lot to him. Don was also a longtime volunteer at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center, where he was honored for 20 years of service to fellow veterans — a role that brought him deep fulfillment and pride.
Donald was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beatrice; his parents, Chester and Elizabeth Morris; his brothers: Chester Morris Jr. and John Morris; and sisters: Betty and Edna Morris. He is survived by his children: James (Doris Brundige) Morris, Nancy Morris, Susan Morris, Jean (Pat) Porter; his cherished grandchildren: Chad (Christy) Morris, Cory Porter, Kelsie Morris, Benji Brundige, Alexis Brundige, and Shawn (Stacie) Porter; and sisters in-law Donna Morris and Emily Viland. He also leaves behind great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will continue to honor his memory. He will be remembered for his humility, quiet strength, devotion to family, and lifelong service.
Don's children want to express their gratitude to the Chillicothe VA Medical Center and the Homeland Wing staff for their kindness and for the wonderful care they provided to him for the past year and a half. They have truly been a blessing.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at the Haller Funeral Home. Military graveside honors will follow in Grandview Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for visitation from 11:00am until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Chillicothe VA Medical Center, Voluntary Services (135), 17273 State Route 104, Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601; with the memo line indicating the donation is being made In Memory Of: Donald Morris.
Don was born February 6, 1927, in Belmont County Ohio to Chester and Elizabeth Morris. Upon turning 18 years old, he served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II. After returning home, he completed his high school education and was recruited to play football for the Ohio University Bobcats. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Education, laying the groundwork for a career in public education.
Don began his professional life with Chillicothe City Schools, where he taught, coached, and officiated sports. He went on to earn a Master's degree in Education Administration, and in 1966, he was appointed Principal of Unioto Junior High and High School, where he served with honor and distinction until his retirement in 1985. Don's calm leadership and commitment to students and staff left a lasting legacy in the school and wider community. He was inducted into the Unioto Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013, recognized for his contributions to the school's sports program for young men and women during his 20-year tenure.
On October 27, 1951, Donald married Beatrice (Zeleznik) Morris, the love of his life and his steadfast partner for over 54 years. Together, they raised four children, building a family grounded in love, support, and strong values. After retirement, Don and Bea spent many joyful years traveling the country in their motor home, enjoying annual winter-trips to Florida and a close-knit community of fellow travelers and friends. Don served as president of the local chapter of Good Sam Club travel group, and he facilitated a college scholarship awarded by Good Sam that helped many students and meant a lot to him. Don was also a longtime volunteer at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center, where he was honored for 20 years of service to fellow veterans — a role that brought him deep fulfillment and pride.
Donald was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beatrice; his parents, Chester and Elizabeth Morris; his brothers: Chester Morris Jr. and John Morris; and sisters: Betty and Edna Morris. He is survived by his children: James (Doris Brundige) Morris, Nancy Morris, Susan Morris, Jean (Pat) Porter; his cherished grandchildren: Chad (Christy) Morris, Cory Porter, Kelsie Morris, Benji Brundige, Alexis Brundige, and Shawn (Stacie) Porter; and sisters in-law Donna Morris and Emily Viland. He also leaves behind great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will continue to honor his memory. He will be remembered for his humility, quiet strength, devotion to family, and lifelong service.
Don's children want to express their gratitude to the Chillicothe VA Medical Center and the Homeland Wing staff for their kindness and for the wonderful care they provided to him for the past year and a half. They have truly been a blessing.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at the Haller Funeral Home. Military graveside honors will follow in Grandview Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for visitation from 11:00am until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Chillicothe VA Medical Center, Voluntary Services (135), 17273 State Route 104, Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601; with the memo line indicating the donation is being made In Memory Of: Donald Morris.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Morris, please visit our flower store.
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