Dallas Dean Morris passed away on July 19, 2023 at his home in Stanfield at the age of 82 after a courageous battle with kidney cancer.
He was born on Jan. 13, 1941 in Burlington, Colo. to Lloyd and Clara Howard Morris, the fifth of nine.
His father was drafted into World War II, even with five children. His mother and the children traveled with him wherever he was stationed in the U.S. They moved to Dayville after the war and stayed in Grant County. Dallas graduated from Grant Union High School in 1960. He loved basketball and played for GUHS all through high school. One year while giving out awards, his coach said, “Dal is the guy with springs in his legs.” His class had many reunions and remained close through all the years. He attended Blue Mountain Community College for two years. He always loved returning to Grant County.
Dallas married Janet Gillette on Aug. 29, 1964 in John Day. They were extremely close and rarely apart. They moved to Pendleton and lived there until moving to Stanfield in 1974. Two sons were born to them, Scott in 1966 and Brent in 1969. Dallas loved his wife and sons and devoted his entire life to his family. He worked for Pendleton Grain Growers in Hermiston for 19 years. After PGG closed, he worked for Commercial Tire. He worked at the Walmart Distribution Center from its opening until he retired.
His favorite hobby was gardening and yard work. He had a beautiful yard wherever he lived. The Stanfield fireworks were lit right behind the house and a Fourth of July party was held there every year with many friends and family attending.
Dallas was the true patriarch of the family, bringing his beautiful smile and dry humor to all. He was often quiet but a wonderful listener. He and Janet traveled extensively with family, mainly in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Brent was in the Air Force and we visited places he, Susan and kids were based, always bringing joy to spend time with them. Our large family spent many weekends refurbishing an old school bus. It was beautiful when completed and 21 of us went to Disneyland in it. All of his grandchildren were a great delight, with one great granddaughter named after him. Amanda’s children all called him Honey and was carried on by the rest. A few weeks before he passed, he was happy to be visited by granddaughter Kaitlyn, baby Benny and Elizabeth, Cameron and Addie, all from Colorado.
He had a lifetime love for the Yankees and Oregon State. His highlight was seeing the Yankees play with Scott, grandson Trevor and wife Ali. He liked most sports, especially baseball, coaching his sons in Little League and Babe Ruth. Dallas passed his love of the game on to Scott and Trevor, who both still coach high school. He enjoyed his grands’ and great grands’ sports and activities, camping and being outside, especially when it was hot. Dallas was a true patriot and loved America. He was quiet about his spiritual beliefs, but was baptized in the John Day River at age 14.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Janet, Stanfield; sons, Scott (Sherri), Stanfield and Brent (Susan), Alabama; grandchildren, Amanda, Kaitlyn, Jordan, Trevor, Elizabeth and Kimberly; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Morgan, Cooper, Teddy, Cameron, twins Elliott and Arwen, Adelina, Dallas, Quinnci and Benjamin; sister, Victoria (Woody) Samuel, California; sisters-in-law, Mary Cook, Jean Morris, Dolores Morris and Colleen Evans; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Dallas was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Naomi, Audrey, Jean and Linda; and brothers, Howard, Gale and Darrell.
Dallas was dearly loved and was the most unselfish man we ever knew, never wanting anything for himself. We were so blessed.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Pleasant View Cemetery, Stanfield.
Please share memories of Dallas with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
