Obituary of Donald Eugene Morris

MORRIS, Major General Donald Eugene, "Mo" was born in Fairview, OK on July 30, 1923 and passed away at home of natural causes on June 7, 2016. He was the youngest child of Earle B. and Eva (Simpkins) Morris. His two older brothers were Howard and Virgil. "Mo" attended Fairview school system and graduated as class president in 1941. After attending school, he joined the Army Air Corp. He went to several different training locations, one was Ryan Air Field (Tucson) as a student pilot. Later he went to Nellis Air Force base (NV) to become an instructor pilot. From there he went to Luke Air Force base (AZ) to instruct Chinese pilots and then joined the Air National Guard in Phoenix. While in Phoenix, he was asked by Senator Barry Goldwater to become the commander of the Air National Guard in Tucson. He served as commander from 1956 to 1971. After his command in Tucson, he commanded the Air National Guard of Arizona and later became the special assistant to the Southern Command in Panama and the U.S. Air Forces in Europe. He retired in 1983 and eventually chose to return to Tucson. He stated "It's where some of my most fond memories are -- the Tucson Air Guard and the people who have served there". During his military career he received several awards. Too many to name all of them, but some were "Order of Sword" 1987, "Eagle Award" 1983 and "Legion of Merit" 1971. In 1942, he married Leona P. Frazier and from this marriage there were two children, Donald Eugene Morris, Jr. and Nancy Ann Morris. On March 11, 1977 he married Paulette "Cherie" M. Jacques. "Mo" loved golfing, flying, hunting and fishing--he loved the outdoors. He is survived by wife, Paulette "Cherie"; son, Donald E. Morris, Jr. and wife, Susan of Tucson and daughter, Nancy A. Morris of Fairview, OK; grandchildren, Donald E. Morris, III (wife Heidi), John G. Morris (wife Diane); five great-grandchildren and several other family members and friends. The family would like to give a special thank you to Brendan Slattery, Home Instead Senior Care, TMC Hospice, the Chambers Family and Tucson Air National Guard. A Celebration of Life will held at the Tucson Air National Guard, date and time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial remembrance in memory of Major General Donald E. Morris to the Air National Guard of Arizona or a ;charity of your choice . Arrangements being handled by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.