Rex Morris

Rex J. Morris, 87, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026, with family by his side at Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice, Manhattan, KS.

He was born on September 15, 1938, in Kansas City, MO, and raised in a loving home in McPherson, the son of Frank and Rosalind (Almen) Morris. He graduated from McPherson High School in 1956 and McPherson College in 1960.

He married his high school sweetheart Shirley Goranson on June 21, 1959, at Trinity Lutheran Church in McPherson. They were married for over 66 years. To this marriage was born Ted (Kim) of McPherson, Kathy (Rob) Stitt of Manhattan, and Jonathan (Margaret) of Lawrence.

Rex was a partner and manager of Morris and Son Clothing Store in downtown McPherson for 50 years. Rex greeted every customer with a smile and warm Welcome. Friends fondly recall the back-to-school fashion shows, summer sidewalk sales, the iconic blue-and-white striped shopping bags, and Rex delivering gifts (often wrapped by Shirley) in the bright red wrapping paper on Christmas Eve after the store had closed.

Rex served his community and church on committees and boards of the YMCA, Recreation Commission, MIDC, Scout Troop 133, Rotary Club, McPherson Country Club, Mac Ad Council, Chamber of Commerce, Church Property Committee, and countless church, school, and community events. In 1999, the MRC recognized Rex for his years on the Commission and for his integral part of the acquisition and planning for the Grant Sports Complex by naming one of the ballfields after him. In 2005, he was recognized by McPherson College for his lifetime achievements. Rex was a member of the Army National Guard for 6 years. Rex was an avid golfer into his 80's and a member of the McPherson Country Club for over 70 years. Career stats include three holes-in-one and shooting his age at 74.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Nancy Esau, and brother Robert. He is survived by wife Shirley of the home; his children and their spouses, eight grandchildren Megan (Dr. James Bogener), Stephanie (Jeremy Zimney), Danielle (Jeff Reilley), Abby (Paul Coyne), AJ Stitt (Miranda), Alex Stitt, Ruby and Phoebe Morris; and 10 great-grandchildren Ava, Aiden, Finley, Ellis, Parker, Benjamin, Case, Banks, Jaxon, and Olivia.

The family is grateful for the excellent care he received at Foundation Park and Memory Care in Manhattan where he spent the last month of his life, enjoyed daily visits with family, his favorite nurse Raegan, and for the compassionate care he received at Good Shepherd.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Stockham Family Funeral Home, McPherson. The memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, May 29, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 320 N. Main, Lindsborg, KS. Inurnment will be at 1:00 PM, Friday, at Elmwood Cemetery, Lindsborg.

Memorials are suggested to the McPherson Public Library, Bethany Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, or to donor's choice and can be sent in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.

Online condolences may be posted at www.stockhamfamily.com.