Gerald "Charlie" Morris, long time Colfax farmer, passed away Monday, October 21, 2013 in Kennewick. He was 87. The Rosary Service will be Thursday at 7:00 PM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, followed by the Funeral Mass on Friday at 11:00 AM at the church. Viewing will be Wednesday from Noon to 5 pm and Thursday from 9 to 5 at Bruning Funeral Home in Colfax. Burial will be in the Colfax Cemetery. Charlie was born January 26, 1926 in St. John, WA to Grover and Myrtie Palmer Morris. The family moved to Diamond when he was six years old and later moved to Steptoe where Charlie attended high school. He was drafted into the Army Air Corps right out of high school and served in California where he was one of the original crewmen stationed at Fairfield-Suisun Air Force Base now called Travis Air Force Base. He was honorably discharged and returned to Colfax and went to work with his step-father, Pete Crumbaker, on the farm. He met a beautiful young lady who was working in the County Assessor's office. Charlie and Anna Lee Silvey married May 27, 1949. They lived in Colfax for a few years before moving out to the farm on Crumbaker Road. They lived and farmed together there for the next 60 years. In addition to farming and raising their family of six children; Charlie also worked in the off-season for the Roger Brothers Pea Plant. He enjoyed bowling on leagues in Colfax, was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He always had a great sense of humor and keen wit. He enjoyed perusing the car lots and equipment dealerships; always looking for that next big purchase needed for the farm. He had a large group of friends and enjoyed drinking coffee with many at any time. Charlie and Anna Lee belonged to the Heritage Club and had taken some trips with that group. In earlier days, Charlie took his family to the Snake River nearly every Sunday for boating and fun. He retired in 1988 but continued living at the farm until moving to Kennewick in August. He is survived by his wife, Anna Lee, at home in Kennewick; 6 children, Tom (Marcia) Morris of Spokane Valley, Sandi Morris, Yakima, WA, Elaine "Maynard" (Don) McClintock, Joe Morris, Bill (Charee) Morris all of Colfax and Chris (Paige) Morris of Pasco; 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Warren and a sister, Della Snow as well as his parents. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the St. Patrick's Church Building Fund. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.