Gene Morris 1945-2025

Eugene “Gene” Frank Morris Jr., aged 79, passed away on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Holton Hospital in Holton.
Born on July 3, 1945, in Chicago, Ill., he was the son of Frank and Kathleen Morris. Gene’s early work ethic was shaped in southern Missouri, where he served as a cave guide in the Ozarks at the age of 11.
He was married to Sue Morris in Roswell, N.M., in 1974.
His professional journey in telecommunications began as a technician with significant roles at Penasco Valley Telephone, Western New Mexico Telephone, and later transferring to Wetmore as general manager of JBN Telephone Company in Wetmore, where he retired as president/CEO. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed various recreational activities.
Gene is survived by his devoted wife; daughters Kayla and Trisha Morris of Holton; brothers George Morris, Brad Morris and Mark Morris; brother-in-law Glenn Hopkins; sisters Susanne Stanfil and Kathy Huffman; numerous nieces and nephews; grandchildren, Olivia and Erik Heape, Calista Hunt, Daniel Hunt, Kierstyn Hunt, Connor Gaboury and Scarlett Gaboury; and great-grandsons Owen and Graysonn Heape and a great-grandson on the way, all from Holton.
Gene will be greatly missed, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service to the telecommunications industry and a profound personal impact on those around him.
Memorial services will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Gene was cremated and will also have a Celebration of Life service later in Artesia, N.M.
Memorials may be made to the Heart of Jackson Humane Society, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)