Kenneth H. Morris died at his home peacefully in Temperance, MI on Saturday, December 23, 2023. He is now one of God's Brightest Angels.

Ken was born on August 8, 1933 in Defiance, Ohio, the son of Fredrick (Dick) and D'Nell (Fout) Morris who preceded him in death. He was a 1951 graduate of Defiance High School where he was Class President all three years and was also elected Ohio President of Distributive Education Clubs of America. Ken joined the Navy in 1952 and was a Second-Class Petty Officer on the U.S.S. Oriskany for two years then was stationed in the Philippine Islands until his discharge in 1956. During his military time served, he was chosen to be the Radioman who oversaw the correspondence with Admiral Byrd in the States. In 1956, he married the Love of his Life, Shirley (Amsbaugh) Morris. They have only ever loved each other since they started walking to school together in the second grade. Theirs was truly a Love Story. Ken attended Defiance College and was the only person to graduate with a degree in Journalism. He was also on the college newspaper for four years and was the President of his Fraternity. Ken was hired by the Toledo Board of Education in 1960 after receiving his bachelor's degree in science in Education. He went on to teach at Whittier Jr. High. Ken worked full time teaching and attended the University of Toledo at night and on weekends to receive his master's degree in Elementary Education, graduating in 1962. He was President of the Toledo Education Association where under his tenure, the first Teacher-Board of Education contract was developed for the Teachers Organization. In 1964, Ken was chosen as the Toledo Jaycee Outstanding Educator of the Year. He was also instrumental in the Development of the Occupational Work Experience (O.W.E.) program in the State of Ohio.

During the years to follow he was Assistant Principal at Bowser Junior High School, Burroughs Elementary School and Nathan Hale Elementary School. He served as Principal at Devilbiss High School (1972-1977) and Woodward High School from1980 until his retirement in 1986. After retirement he was asked to travel to California as they had a High School that needed a bit of "straightening out". That school was Aptos High School and Ken went out West and straightened out he did! Ken and Shirley returned to Defiance in 2001, where he enjoyed being Commander of the VFW, Post 3360 where he resided over many funerals, dedications to the military and drank a few beers with his fellow comrades always ready with his chips to hand out to have one on him.

Ken and Shirley had a great life, whether traveling to support all the school functions, taking their grandchildren on vacations in their motor home, spending time with family and great friends, they lived life large. He was always a glass half full kind of guy and touched all who were lucky enough to know him. Ask him how he was, no matter what he was going through, he would say "super, fantastic, check all the boxes". He will be missed by so many, especially his family who loved him so much and gave thanks for his life every day.

Surviving Ken is his wife of 67 years Shirley; daughters Pamela (Robert) Eaton of Petersburg, MI, Lori (William) Douge of Camden, MI; four grandchildren Dr. Michael (Yulia) Rood, West Palm, Fla, Kelsey Hoffman, Ida MI, Tyler Eaton, Temperance, MI, Alex (Brie) Douge, Camden, MI ; two step grandchildren Shelly Frank and Keri Rood ; two sisters Bonnie Gomez and Marilyn (Toot) Guilliam both of Defiance, OH, Brother In Law Tom Amsbaugh of Temperance, MI and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson/Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Schaffer Funeral Home South, with Rev. Larry Kennedy officiating.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests that you make donations in Ken's name to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or The VFW Post #3360 in Defiance.