Eugene Eldon Morris

Eugene Eldon Morris (Gene) age 76 of Pendleton OR died in his home on Monday November 21, 2022, after a lengthy
illness, he was surrounded by loved ones.

Gene was born in Crescent City California on May 18, 1946, to Frank and Zelda Morris. Gene enlisted with the United States Marine Corps in 1963 where he served in Vietnam and ended his
service with the Marine Corps in 1967. When Gene left the Marines, he attended Lane Community College in Eugene Oregon where he enrolled in auto body and fender classes and later went on to open his own auto body shop.

Gene married his first wife Lavita and they had three children, Glen, Shawn, and Robert, they later divorced. In 1986 Gene moved to Pendleton Oregon where he met and later married the love of his live, Teresa at Lake Tahoe Nevada; the couple did not have any children.

Gene worked for the State of Oregon as a caregiver for adults with developmental disabilities, where he later retired in 2016. After retirement he and his wife became adult foster care providers. Sixteen 16 years ago, Stephen came to live in their foster home, he was 60 years old when he moved in and became an integral part of their immediate and extended family. Gene and Stephen became best friends over the years, and they were inseparable.  Gene continued his passion of auto body repair out of his home shop for several years, his last project was a 1964 F100
Chevy Pick Up that he built from the “ground up” with the help of his best friend and shop buddy, Elmer Emmons. Many have offered to purchase the Chevy, but Gene always said, “I built this one for me.” Gene was always willing to help a friend, his family and even a stranger if needed. Gene loved his family, and he loved the God who saved him by grace.  Gene now rests in the arms of his Heavenly Father, he is home.

Gene is survived by his wife Teresa, his “best buddy” Stephen, his son Shawn Morris, brother Norman Symons, sisters Alyce Jones-Gobble and Mary Collman. He was proceeded in death by his sons Glen Robins and Robert Morris, his parents Frank and Zelda Morris and siblings Spencer Symons, Robert Symons, Richard Symons, Micky Symons, Bill Morris, and sister Linda Bones. Gene is also survived by grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service for Gene will be at 11:00 am on Saturday 12/03/22 at the Pendleton Church of God, 712 SW 27 th
Street, Pendleton Oregon, reception to follow. Pendleton Pioneer Chapel is handling the arrangements. Memorial
contributions can be made to Vance John Memorial Hospice, 645 W Orchard Ave #300, Hermiston, OR 97838