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Theodore Morris Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 29, 2016.

Theodore "Ted" Morris -- His Story of Life

Theodore "Ted" Morris was born to Simon Morris and Ruth Conway in Ada (Pontotoc County), Oklahoma, on January 17, 1933. He grew up and attended school in Ada before leaving in 1956 for Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma, where he attended college on a football scholarship. Ted is a Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity brother.

Ted interrupted his college studies to join the US Air Force in 1958, serving four years on active duty. He was a meteorological technician in the Air Force's 18th Weather Squadron Headquarters Command, serving in Paris, France and Rome Italy. He was honorably discharged from duty in 1962.

He returned to Langston where he earned a bachelor's degree. He went on to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Oklahoma, and attended Law School at Oklahoma City University.

In 1964, Ted met Sue Woods while she was attending Oklahoma Christian College in Edmond, OK. They were married at the Monroe Street Church of Christ in Chicago, IL on December 31, 1965. To their union, they were blessed with one daughter Ericka Ann. Ted has one son, Lavert Morris.

Ted was thirsty for knowledge in an effort to be the best in providing services to Oklahoma's troubled youth. He continued post-graduate studies at several prominent institutions, including Tulane University, University of Chicago, and the University of Las Vegas.

During a 20-year period from 1964 to1984, Ted would spend much of his professional career in various areas of juvenile justice and juvenile services at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs. He went on to become a state-level counselor, supervisor and administrator for various juvenile programs.

Ted was on-hand when the state decided to revise Title X, Oklahoma's Juvenile Code. The Oklahoma Legislature passed Senate Joint Resolution-13 in 1975. It was a new day and Ted was among the first juvenile services professionals to hit the ground running.

In the 1980s, Ted's career moved into the monitoring of programs and services for Oklahoma's juvenile justice system. Every juvenile judge and court official in Oklahoma knew Ted and were not afraid to call him when things were not running smoothly. They knew Ted was a problem solver, and from his position at the Oklahoma Capitol, he would make things happen. Ted would do this work as the state's top program administrator for juvenile services programs monitoring and review until retirement in 2000.

Ted loved football, having played at the college-level himself. When satellite television came on the market, Ted bought the biggest receiver in the market and he had one of the first "70-inch" television sets in the state, when it was still cost-prohibitive for most. Cost didn't matter to Ted, when a game was on. He and any friends who stopped by his home, were going to see the biggest game, on the biggest screen and largest sound system outside of being in a television studio or movie theater.

Ted enjoyed playing golf. If it was not storming or snowing, you could find him one or more days a week on a local golf course hamming it up with his golfing buddies. Ted and Sue also liked to travel, making short trips whenever Sue was not in an Oklahoma classroom, teaching students. One of his favorite trips was taking his grandson Eric to Canada in June 2013 and watching his eyes light up when he saw snow-capped mountains in the northern territories in the middle of summer.

Ted served two terms on the Oklahoma County Red Cross Western District of Oklahoma Board of Directors. He was a Gov. David Hall 1971 appointee to the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, a Gov. David Boren appointee to Oklahoma Probation and Parole Juvenile Justice Mini-Cabinet, and a member of the Oklahoma Probation and Parole Officers Association.

Ted died at St. Anthony's Hospital in Oklahoma City, November 28, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, Simon Morris and Ruth Conway, and sister Mary Ruth (Morris) Walker.

Ted is survived by his wife of 50-plus years, Sue; daughter, Ericka; and son Lavert; grandsons, Eric and Smithy DeWayne; great grandchildren Koree, Antonio and Alijah; nephew James Donald and niece Mary Ann; along with countless other relatives, friends, former co-workers and professional associates who are dear to the family.

__________


Morris Family Thank You

We have often heard the expression "it takes a village to raise a child." We know today, it takes the same village to help a family when a soul is laid to rest. Sue Morris and the Morris family wish to extend its most sincere, and heart-felt words of Thank You to the village of family, friends, neighbors, caregivers, medical and nursing personnel, and well-wishers who have helped them during these times of trial.
"Because so many things are done behind the scenes, we may not see you personally to say these kind words, but please know that it is in our hearts to do so…" said Sue. "We love you and may God continue to bless you and yours…"

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5 Entries

December 6, 2016

Sandy & Lee Johnson

Our condolences to Sue and the family. Remember " the Lord is my shepherd" and He will take care of all of your needs. Ted will be missed greatly but we had great times together. Our love for you and your family will continue.

December 4, 2016

Gloria Watson

Sue, I'm so sorry to hear about Ted passing. God bless you and your family.

December 3, 2016

Allan Gordon

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

December 2, 2016

Jim Beene

It is with deep sorrow that my treasured and true friend and colleague, Ted, has passed. I worked both with and as a fellow professional in the initial and ongoing creation and development in what is now known as The Office of Juvenile Affairs state agency. Having been given the responsibility as liaison to the Okla State Supreme Court Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee under Ted's supervision and guidance in development and implementation of some of the nation's first guidelines in juvenile justice programs for the state of Oklahoma, his close and steady guidance not only assured professorial excellence, but grew into a personal friendship beyond my ability to place a value. Ted, I love you man and my sincere prayers for your long journey ahead and for your wonderful family who are faced with a huge void, but lasting precious memories that you most surely leave with all. Jim Beene, Norman, OK

November 30, 2016

Robert Byas III

Sister Sue, you are one of the shining lights at Northeast and I know this is deeply touching to your core/soul...I will do my best to lift you and yours up during this time of your bereavement...I know you know that we love you...I just need to say, "the Byas family loves you and appreciate all that you do...seen and behind the scenes...May the MOST HIGH comfort you with all needed comfort during this time..." -Robert and Valerie Byas

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13313 North Kelley, Oklahoma City, OK 73131

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