Craig Lee Morris

Craig Morris, 52, Leawood, KS, passed away peacefully Monday, December 12, 2016 following a courageous fight with an aggressive cancer. He is survived by his partner and wife of 12 years, Nicole Nollen, their two boys, Noah and Adam Nollen Morris; his mother, Pat Morris; his father Jerry Morris (Helen); his brother Steve Morris (Melissa); his sister, Christy Morris; and countless relatives and friends. Services will be Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Wesley Covenant Chapel, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS at 2:00 pm.

Craig was born on December 30, 1963 in Kansas City, MO. He attended Oak Park High where he formed lasting friendships. A devoted older brother, Craig chaperoned his siblings from Kansas City to Saudi Arabia when his parents lived and worked overseas. He married the love of his life, Nikki, and had two sons, Noah and Adam. He was a committed father and husband who enjoyed traveling to visit friends and family. Cudahy/Milwaukee and the Pacific Northwest, especially Washington and Oregon, were among his favorite places to visit given many fond childhood memories of visiting grandparents. He tried multiple times to convince Nikki to move to Ketchikan, Alaska, another favorite childhood place, and he often told a story about catching a fish that was as tall as his 7 year old self. He shared his love of sports with his boys and the three could often be found cheering on their favorite teams or playing soccer, basketball, or baseball. Noah and Adam were the light of Craig’s life; in addition to sports, he read books and sang songs to them each night, helped them with their homework, and spent hours looking at their sports trading cards. Craig preferred golf as a well-deserved source of relaxation. He also enjoyed lunches out with his high school buddies, Tuesday card night when he could make it, various fantasy football teams, and late night Call of Duty marathons.

Craig completed degrees from Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and the University of Kansas Medical Center. He was a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who gained the confidence and trust of his colleagues and patients. He loved what he did because of the friendships that he built with work colleagues. He was regarded with tremendous respect for his integrity and work ethic at Westport Anesthesia and Saint Luke’s Hospital. Craig was a kind, caring, and gentle individual who inspired those who knew him well. He will be missed but never forgotten.

The family requests donations to:

The University of Kansas Cancer Center

KU Endowment for Research

3901 Rainbow Blvd

Kansas City, KS 66160

Arrangements under the direction of McGilley State Line Chapel, Kansas City, MO.