Rickey S. Morris, Sedalia

Rickey Stephens Morris, 54, of Sedalia, died Thursday, April 17, 2008, at University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics.

He was born June 21, 1953, in Sedalia, a son of Leo Linwood and Francis Romig Morris. On Sept. 15, 1979, in Fall City, Neb., he was married to Mary Lou Kreifels, who survives of the home.

He served the Sedalia Fire Department for 33 years. On July 28, 2004, he was given the Valor Award by the Sedalia Fire Department for his acts. School children knew him as Fireman Rick. He was also employed by Steve Twenter Construction and was always there to fix things for his family and others. He took pride in the academic success and activities of his children. He loved traveling on his motorcycle with friends, boating and playing golf. He held a private pilot’s license since 1984. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church.

Mayor Wasson said, “Rick Morris was a dedicated professional who touched the lives of many people, not only on the job but as a member of our community, during his long career with the Sedalia Fire Department. Rick will be missed by his fellow firefighters, and the City of Sedalia.”

Also surviving are four children, Nathan A. Morris, of Sedalia, and Tim L. Morris, Ryan J. Morris and Christi L. Morris, all of the home; his mother, of Sedalia; aunts; uncles; cousins; nieces; nephews; and his family of firefighters.

He was predeceased by his father; and a half-sister, Ara Leone Morris.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, at Sacred Heart School gymnasium, with the Rev. Jim Betzen, the Rev. Timothy Armbruster, the Rev. Mike Volkmer and the Rev. Vincent Hoying officiating. Pallbearers will be Steve Daleske, Joe Pangburn, Coty Spraggs, David McMillin, Donnie Sattler and Danny Bailey. Members of the casket detail will be Ken Schlesselman, Daniel Shaw, Shane Vansteenburgh, Jamie Volk, Steve Rucker, Ryan Brinkman, Richard Satterwhite, Roger Wiskur, Barry White, James Stevenson, Kyle Rupe and William Twenter. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A prayer service will begin at 7 p.m. followed by a firefighter’s walk-through.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Rick Morris Memorial Fund, in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.

Condolences may also be left online at www.mclaughlinfuneralchapel.com.