David Franklin “Doc” Morris, 78, of Sikeston, peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by his wife and daughters on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015.

Born on October 12, 1936 in Ridgeway, IL, to the late Clifford Keasler Morris and Eva May Ellen Justice Morris. He was a 1954 Sikeston High School graduate.

Dr. Morris graduated in May 1960 from the University of Missouri – Columbia earning his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.

David and Nannette Kay Richter were united in marriage on June 1, 1960 in Columbia, MO. He began practice of Veterinary Medicine in Marceline, MO before returning to Sikeston to a location on N. Kingshighway. In 1961 Dr. Morris moved his practice to the “Fairview School House” on Highway 61 South where he treated both large and small animals. In 2001 he moved his practice into Sikeston to a new facility on Brunt Blvd. Licensed in both Missouri and Kentucky, he continued to treat animals until May of this year.

Dr. Morris was a lifetime member of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association and a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Other memberships include: SEMO Veterinary Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and a Lifetime Sikeston Optimist Club Member. He served on the Missouri Veterinary Licensing Board and the Southern Scott County Ambulance Board.

After practicing veterinary medicine for over 50 years, “Doc” was inducted into the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation’s Veterinary Honor Roll of Missouri April 2014. This honor is given to MVMA member veterinarians who have demonstrated leadership in their community and/or profession.

David Morris played an active role in the community, co-founding (and coaching) the Girls City Softball League in Sikeston and developing the BMX Track at the Recreational Complex. He was a charter member of the Sikeston High School Science Fair, where he judged projects for 40+ years. Starting as chairman of the Sikeston Optimist Club Christmas Shoe project, he expanded the project over the past 45 years where annually over 300 pairs of shoes and socks are put on children.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

David’s hobbies included driving his orange lucky number “7” dirt track race car and playing racquetball. More recently, he spent time on his Kentucky Cattle Farm, enjoying nature, gardening, working his cattle and spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Steven Franklin Morris.

He also was preceded in death by four sisters and two brothers: Carrie Raben, Ruby Lankford, Opal Nicholson, Pearl DeBoard, Clifford B Morris and R.L. Morris.

In addition to his wife and dog Millie, survivors include: three daughters and three sons-in-law, Allegra Anne and Steve Stroder of Jackson, MO; Tammy Lynn and Steven Burch of Sikeston; Michelle Renee and Tim Martin of Bernie, MO . Also surviving are three grandchildren, Bailey Nicole Martin and Shelby Renee Martin of Columbia, MO and David Morgan Burch of Winston-Salem North Carolina; one brother, Edgar Lee Morris (Norma) of Mobile, AL and one sister-in-law Carol Morris Whitler of Jackson, MO along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ponder Funeral Home.

The funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept., 12, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jennifer Bell Moxley, associate pastor, and Rev. Mike Wondel, pastor officiating.

Burial will follow in Sikeston Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Bill Raben, Jim Raben, Jim Morris, Gene Morris, Dr. Cliff Morris, Ken Morris, Lee Morris, Charles Morris and Dennis Morris.

Honorary pallbearers will be Rob Branom, John Barnett, Lee Shell, Murray Sullivan, Mac Wheetley, Dr. Chris Shew, Dr.Brian Heuring, Dr. Joe Baker, Ron Elliott and Mark Deane.

The family requests memorial contributions to be made to:

First United Methodist Church of Sikeston
PO Box 682
Sikeston, MO 63801

Missouri Delta Medical Center Foundation
1008 N. Main
Sikeston, MO 63801

Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation
2500 Country Club Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109