Robert E. "Whitey" Morris

Robert E. “Whitey” Morris, age 87, passed away Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at Bortz Health Care in West Branch. Whitey was born May 8, 1925 to Charles and Adeline (Sirmeyer) Morris and had lived in West Branch for all of his life. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, a long time member of the Knights of Columbus #2022 and he retired from the Ogemaw County Road Commission. Whitey enjoyed gardening, especially his flowers and he loved to travel, he knew every square inch of Ogemaw County and the surrounding counties. He also played Santa Claus for many years for area families and also for the residents of Bortz Health Care of West Branch for over 20 years. Whitey will be lovingly remembered by his children Darlene and Curt Craven of Alto, Allan and Mary Morris and Harry and Charlene Morris both of West Branch and Rita and Bob Gynup of Arlington, TX, grandchildren Mike and Nancy Pekrul, Bob and Kristen Pekrul, Peggy and Tadd Pier, Todd Morris, Shawnelle and Jeff Dillard and Shane Morris, 10 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother Burt (Phyllis) Morris of West Branch and his sisters- in-law Marie Smith, Mildred Brannigan and Theresa Slocum. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary (Fitzpatrick) Morris in 1999, his daughters Joan and Valerie, his son Micheal and his parents.. Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Friday, January 4, 2013 from 3-9 p.m. with a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. and a K of C Rosary at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, Whitey will lie in state at St. Joseph Catholic Church beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 11:00 a.m. Fr. Patrick Maher will officiate and burial will take place in the spring at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Branch. A special thank you to the staff of Bortz Health Care of West Branch for their compassionate and loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Helping Hands, West Branch.