Kenneth Lee Morris died peacefully on March 28, 2020 at the age of 70 after a short but courageous battle with illnesses primarily attributed to his exposure to Agent Orange while battling in Vietnam. He left his family and the world, way too soon.

Ken is survived by his children, Brittani and Justin as well as his granddaughters, Sera Lopez and Torie Friend. He is also survived by his siblings Sue Stainer (Walter) of Ohio and Kathy Sprenkel (Chuck) of Florida. Ken was lovingly known as "Uncle Butch" to his nieces and nephews in Ohio and "Uncle Kenny" to his nieces-by-choice in Florida and NJ. He was surrounded over the years with so many friends, too many to name but they knew he loved them and vice versa. Ken is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Morris, his in-laws, Lorraine and John Maher, numerous beloved friends but most importantly, the love of his life, his wife Kathy Morris who he continued to miss every day since her passing in 2015.

Ken was born in Columbus. Ohio. He had a very rough childhood filled with neglect and abuse but unlike so many, he did not allow that experience to become an excuse to live the same way. When he was 17 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was eventually sent to Vietnam. He signed up for an extra tour while there and was eventually granted the National Service Defense Medal, the Vietnamese Service Medal, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

After returning from Vietnam, he joined the USMC reserves and was stationed in Philadelphia when he met the crazy woman who would someday be his wife. After they were married, Ken left the Marine Reserves to spend more time with his family but military service was in his blood so eventually he signed up for the US National Guard Reserve in which he served for about 10 years.

Ken and Kathy were married in May 1970 and not long after they started their family. Ken was a dedicated father who did everything in his power to ensure his children had everything they needed and wanted. For a man whose childhood was rough, he doubled his efforts to ensure his children (and eventually his granddaughters!) wanted for nothing. He would also take care of anyone who needed a hand, even while he was working a back-breaking job for numerous hours or when he was working two jobs to keep his family afloat. He was quite simply, a giver. Even when he didn't have for himself, he would give to others. Ken's love and dedication to his family is just too great to put into words as no words could truly do him justice.

Eventually he would be blessed with his first granddaughter, Sera. To say it was love at first sight is an understatement. He loved her instantly and would always make sure his 'budger' knew he loved her with his whole heart. They became quite the pair over the years, often taking pleasure in double teaming the rest of the family or just being goofy together. About 4 years after Sera was born, his 2 ^nd granddaughter, Torie was born. He and Torie shared many moments together especially their love for the ID TV Channel. He was doubly blessed and loved both his granddaughters with his entire being.

Ken shared a love of the Philadelphia Eagles with Justin and was so glad when they won the Superbowl, finally. He also loved Ohio State. OH – IO!

Ken was employed by Menchel McDonald furniture for over 33 years as a driver and warehouse manager. He was a dedicated employee who worked more hours than expected, often for no pay, because his work ethic was such that he had to make sure things were done right even if he had to work longer or harder to get it done.

Ken was a dedicated church goer and attended St. Stephen's church for years where he made friends like Bonnie and Joe, Elaine and Sean and so many others. He was a member of the Nativity Council of the Knights of Columbus. He was also dedicated to the charities he supported over the years. Even when he was low in his own funds, he still continued to support those causes.

Ken truly lived a life of giving to others, loving others and being there for those he loved. He took pure pleasure in doing for someone and seeing them smile but at the same time did most of that behind the scenes because he didn't want credit for it. He was not wealthy, didn't travel the world or have expensive material possessions but he was wealthy beyond compare as he loved so deeply and was so deeply loved in return. There wasn't a person who would meet him that didn't instantly like him – well maybe a few, but if they didn't like him it was because of their character, not his.

In the end, Ken did things his way- just like in his favorite song, My Way by Frank Sinatra:

"For what is a man what has he got

If not himself then he has not

To say the things he truly feels

And not the words of one who kneels

The record shows I took the blows

And did it my way"

Due to the current state of affairs and regulations, at this time there will be a private service for just Ken's immediate family. At a later time, there will be a memorial service for him to honor him appropriately. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to one of Ken's favorite charities either St. Jude's www.stjude.org/give or Boystown. https://support.boystown.org/site/Donation