Donald E Morris

Don was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and was the 1st of 3 children to John and Clara. He was a graduate of West High School in Phoenix, a 1955 graduate of Phoenix College, and a 1959 graduate of the University of Arizona. A leg injury ended a promising football career in high school so Don managed the football and baseball teams while attending Phoenix College to stay involved in sports. He also joined the Naval Reserves while attending Phoenix College. At the UofA, he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity (Order of Gold Owl) and the A-Club Co-Ed Social Club. He met his wife to be, Ercelle Tisor, in the fall of 1956. They married on February 2, 1958 and were married for 42 years and had 5 children.

Don’s parents started Morris Sporting Goods in 1936. Not only did he help out in the store as a teen, but he helped run the store after college and later took over the family business with his wife. He loved helping the kids by donating needed uniforms and equipment to various little league, softball, basketball, and football teams. The business later became known as Morris Athletic Supply with several stores around the Valley. After closing the family business in the 1980’s, Don worked with Martson’s Sporting Goods, now Norcon Industries , until he retired in the early 2000’s.

Don had a great love for his family and a unique sense of humor, which continues on in his children and grandchildren. He loved jokes, funny movies and westerns. Don loved cooking for his family on the weekends, whether it was backyard grilling or gigantic pancakes for breakfast. He was especially grateful to have all 5 of his children and their families in the Valley. He came to know the Lord in 2011 and found great peace and comfort in prayer and reading scripture, especially Psalm 23.

Don is survived by his sons, Brent (Kelly), Tisor (Teena) and Jonathan; his daughters, Kelley (Ken) Sutton and Amanda (Robert) Hasty; 7 grandchildren; and his sister, Patricia (James) Marquis. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ercelle Morris; his parents, John and Clara Morris; and his sister, Marilyn Bershader.

There will be a private viewing for the family followed by a graveside service at 11:00am on Monday, January 26, 2015 at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in the name of Don Morris to the Muhammed Ali Parkinson Center, 240 W. Thomas Rd, Ste 302, Phx, AZ 85013.