Eugene Edward Morris

Eugene Edward Morris, age 76, of McCook passed away Thursday, February 27, 2020 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha following heart surgery. He was born in St. Joseph, Missouri on July 20, 1943 to Eugene E. and Lila (Revell) Morris. The family relocated to Sidney, NE where Gene grew up, attended school and graduated from Sidney High School in 1961. Gene talked often of his younger years when he enjoyed playing baseball, football, hiking to the bluffs south of Sidney and going on scouting camp-outs and activities. Even at a young age Gene enjoyed being busy and trying new adventures. Following his graduation, Gene joined the US Army and served his country four and a half years, three of which he was stationed in Germany. Gene served in several capacities but only Gene could maneuver things to get to travel and play football in the Army which he did. Gene was honorably discharged on December 4, 1965. As an adult Gene continued to be a person who loved a challenge and a new adventure. Following his discharge from the service Gene went to work on January 1, 1966 as a Deputy Sheriff in Red Willow County. It was during this time he met Nancy Haag and they were married at St. Catherines Catholic Church, Indianola, NE on November 19, 1966. Gene later went to work at the McCook Police department. Two daughters, Kendra (Morris) Weintz and Berdena (Morris) Kleckner were born while living in McCook. Gene graduated from Kearney State College with a masters degree in Educational Administration/Criminal Justice. In 1974 the family moved to Grand Island, NE where Gene was employed by the State of Nebraska as a Liquor Control Agent. He then went to the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center where he was an instructor. In 1981 he accepted a position at the Hanford Nuclear Site as a Major with the Hanford Patrol. The family moved to Kennewick, WA. Gene oversaw the training of a response team of over 300 to secure the safety of the Hanford nuclear plant. When Gene ended his career at Hanford, he was the Director of Emergency Planning. Gene continued his career as the Assistant Project Manager at the Department of Energy Strategic Petroleum Reserve in New Orleans, LA. He was again in charge of training personnel and maintaining the safety of the oil reserve located in Louisiana and Texas. It was at this time in his career he was asked to do investigations at various nuclear sites for safety concerns. Gene traveled both domestically and internationally doing these investigations. After much encouragement from Nancy, Gene accepted a position in 1989 with Omaha Public Power District where he worked at the Ft. Calhoun Nuclear Plant. He retired from Omaha Public Power District in 2005. Gene and Nancy then moved to McCook, NE where Gene quickly adjusted to retirement. Family was most important to Gene and he enjoyed the years of watching his grandsons grow up. When they were little, he told them stories, read to them and often sent them to the "forest" to find Big Foot so he had some peace and quiet in the house. As the grandsons grew up, he enjoyed watching their plays, going to their basketball and football games and listening to their stories. One of his greatest joys of retirement was having coffee with his friends. He often shared stories with them or attempted to brighten their day by a little laughter. Gene loved sports, both watching and playing. He played softball with the Hanford Patrol Softball team and various other teams throughout the years. Gene was a member of the Hanford Patrol Pistol team and traveled to participate in various competitions. He loved to fish and camp, enjoyed playing racket ball and golf. Gene and Nancy liked to travel and traveled throughout the United States with family, and traveled to the Caribbean, Central America and Europe. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Lila. Gene is survived by his wife, of 53 years, Nancy of McCook; two daughters, Kendra (Allen) Weintz and Berdena (Daniel) Kleckner all of McCook; brothers, Donald (Joan) Morris of Boston, MA and Victor (Shirley) Morris of Brighton, CO; sister, Gloria (Dale) Glawatz of Monticello, IA; four grandsons, Nathan (Sable) Weintz of Kearney, Trey Weintz of McCook, Tristen Kleckner of Ft. Collins, CO and Connor Kleckner of McCook. Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday March 3, 2020 at 10:00 AM at the First Congregational Church in McCook with Pastors Steve Bales and Dale Glawatz officiating. Interment will be in the Lebanon Cemetery in Lebanon, NE. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 2, 2020 from 10:00 am till 7:00 PM with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 PM till 7:00 PM. A prayer service will start at 7:00 PM. Friends may leave on-line condolences at herrmannfh.com. Memorials may be left in Genes name at the Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel. Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook entrusted with arrangements. Visitation Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel Monday, March 2, 2020 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM 607 Norris Avenue McCook, Nebraska 69001 Family will be present at visitation from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm to greet friends. Funeral Service First Congregational Church Tuesday, March 3, 2020 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM 212 East E Street McCook, Nebraska 69001 Graveside Service Lebanon Cemetery Tuesday, March 3, 2020 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM Lebanon, NE 69036