CSM (Ret.) Peter R. Morris, 84, of Colorado Springs, died peacefully at home after a swift battle with lung and bone cancer on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.
Pete was born on June 23, 1937, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In earlier years growing up on the boardwalks of Atlantic City, he enjoyed swimming in the ocean and playing hooky from school.
He is the son of the late Roy Vincent Morris and Margaret (Byrne) Morris. Pete is preceded in death by five siblings: Jack, Joseph, John, Paul, and Regina; and his son Don Morris. He makes his way home to join his first wife, the former Hope French Bickmore of New City, New York and their twin boys, Daniel and Roy.
He enjoyed cruising on the open seas with his wife Karen Lee Fisher (Kirkland), whom he shared his life with from 1987 until his passing. Karen provided a tremendous amount of TLC over the past 35 years, especially the past 2 months when she dedicated all of her time and effort caring for him. He will be the forever loved and cherished father of Kathleen (Michael) Hornyak of Colorado Springs; Maureen (Matthew) Hulett of Colorado Springs; and Marybeth Brown of Denver. He was the proud grandfather of Megan, Lisa, Steven, Jack, Abby, Ethan, Dayle, Kenny and Nicole. He is also survived by brothers James (Loretta) Morris and Robert Morris; and countless nieces and nephews.
CSM Morris culminated a 26-year military career in 1981 at Fort Carson, Colorado, where he served as the 4th Infantry Division Command Sergeant Major. Following his military retirement, he went on to become the Chief of Physical Security at Fort Carson and acquired another retirement in the service of his beloved country. During his military career, CSM Morris served at the following installations within the US: West Point, NY; Fort Bliss, TX; Fort Sill, OK; Camp Chaffee, AR; United States Military Academy Preparatory School, Fort Belvoir, VA; and Fort Carson, CO. His overseas service included four tours in Germany; two in Korea; and one tour in Vietnam where he served with the 101st Airborne Division (1967-1968). CSM Morris’ awards and decorations include Legion of Merit; Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal with OLC (x2); Army Commendation Medal OLC (x3); Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry; Vietnamese Service Medal with 5 Battle Stars; Vietnamese Campaign Medal; Vietnamese Civil Action Honor Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; National Defense Service Medal; and the Good Conduct Medal (x7). He was a graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy and Regis College.
Pete was a true patriot and a complete gentleman. In addition to his exceptional service to his country, Pete was an extraordinarily kind and loving man. He NEVER met a dog that he did not love! He had pockets full of bones to pass out to the neighborhood dogs whenever he left the house and thoroughly enjoyed dog sitting any time he could. A more savvy pool player you would not find. He was always good for a laugh, even at his own expense. He took great joy from the simple things like feeding the birds and squirrels, sitting in the sun or enjoying a great book with a glass of Durigutti Malbec by his side.
A Catholic service will be held on February 4, 2022 at 10:00 am at Evergreen Funeral Home on Fountain and Union Blvd, followed by a graveside burial with military honors at 11:00 am at Evergreen Cemetery. There will be a reception held at Patty Jewett Golf Course following the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.