Richard A. "Dick" Morris, III

Richard "Dick" Albert Morris III was born on a day that comes around just once every four years-February 29, 1944. To his parents, Gladys (Jordan) and Richard Morris II, Dick brought an abundance of joy, laughter, and love.

From the start, Dick stood out, not for loud proclamations, but for a quiet resolve that shaped a life well-lived. His journey began in Newton, Kansas, but by the time he was in elementary school, the family had moved to Wichita. There, a young boy became a graduate, walking across the stage at Southeast High School in 1962.

And then, off he went to the University of Kansas, but after his father's sudden death, he moved back home and finished his business education at Wichita State University. Love, as it often does, had other plans. In 1966, he married Dianne, his first wife, and together they started their life in Dallas. While others might take their time finding purpose, Dick had already found his. The funeral business-a calling, not a career-became his life's work.

Dallas led to El Dorado, and there, he and his brother, Ted, purchased a funeral home named Kirby Funeral Home. In 1976, Dick became the sole owner of Kirby-Morris Funeral Home. He didn't simply run it; he transformed it. During his 45 years of service, Dick assisted over 7,000 families during their moments of grief. But this was no mere business-it was his ministry of compassion.

Yet, Dick wasn't just about quiet halls and solemn moments. He had a booming passion for service. Veterans? Oh, how he loved them. He organized the National Funeral Directors Association's $5 million contribution to the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. And in his hometown of El Dorado, Dick rolled up his sleeves and raised the funds to place a "Celebration of Freedom Memorial" on the courthouse lawn.

He didn't stop there. Tulips bloomed for veterans at the Railroad Station because of him. Meals reached millions of children and families around the world through NUMANA, a hunger relief organization he helped create. And Richie's House? That was Dick's answer to homelessness in Butler County-a warm, temporary home for those who needed it most.

Now, awards and honors followed, as they often do when one gives so much. The VFW Americanism Award recognized his selflessness on a national stage. But the accolades didn't matter much to Dick. His true joy? His family.

As a father, Dick never missed a game, a recital, concert, or tournament. And as a grandfather-"Papa" to seven bright-eyed kids-he was their biggest fan, cheering at every momentous step.

But even a man like Dick cannot outrun time. On December 21, 2024, at the age of 80, surrounded by his grateful, devoted family, he quietly took his last breath.

He was greeted on the other side by those who went before him: his parents, Gladys and Richard II; his first wife, Dianne and mother to his children; his brother, Ted; and his grandson, little Richard V.

Those who remain? His wife of 40 years, Denice, the steady anchor of his later life. His children, Dana (Garry) Shanks, Jennifer (Trevor) Hinz, and Rich (Renee) Morris, who carry his legacy forward. His sister, Linda (Harold) Harmon, who knew him as only a sibling could, along with many nieces and nephews. Seven grandchildren who adored him-Austin (Chandler), Coleman and Hampton Shanks, Evelyn and Max Hinz, Sallie and Vivie Morris-and a great-granddaughter, Palmer, who'll grow up hearing stories of her remarkable great-grandfather.

So, what do we make of a life like this? A man who built, who gave, who loved deeply, and left the world better than he found it?

The inspiration to continue his legacy.

Memorials may be made to:
Chapel Hill
First Fruits Funeral Benevolence Fund
1550 N. Chapel Hill St.
Wichita, KS 67206
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The Outreach Program (formally Numana)
405 SW Boyer Rd.
El Dorado, KS 67042