John Morrison

John A. “Jay” Morrison died peacefully at home in Kearney, Missouri on Wednesday October 17, 2018 at the age of 84.

Jay is survived by his wife Eve; children, Susan Walter (Jim), Doug Morrison (Kelly) and Karen Gicante; his sister, Lola Schwartz (Bob) and brother Marvin. He is preceded in death by his parents Dallas and Gracie Morrison, son Mike, sister Lois and brother Lloyd.

Jay was born on November 22, 1933 in Stanberry, Mo to Dallas and Gracie (Coburn) Morrison. He attended Stanberry High School where he competed in Football, Basketball and Track; graduating in 1952. Jay joined the US Army and proudly served his country for 2 years on active duty and was Honorably Discharged. After the Army, Jay began his career working for Black and Decker. He married Eva Tenney on January 21st,1956 in Kansas City, Missouri. Jay and Eve began their married life in Kansas City, Missouri. While at Black and Decker he worked in the Service Center repairing and selling power tools.  Over the next 10 years he worked his way into a Management role. His career took the family to Charleston, West Virginia and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. In 1976 the family moved back to his home State of Missouri, settling into the family home in Holt. Jay retired from Black & Decker after 43 years of service in 1995.

Jay was accomplished at “fixing things”. He knew how to “do it yourself” whether it was electrical, plumbing or mechanical. He passed those skills to his children who all learned the value of DIY when it came to repairs. Jay and Eve always enjoyed their neighbors in Gladstone, Pittsburgh and Holt.  They had many friends from Black and Decker and were gracious hosts of several Black & Decker Office picnics in the summer at their home in Holt. Holt, Missouri became a destination for family and friends who were always welcome at Jay and Eve’s.They enjoyed traveling in retirement with Gulf Shores, Alabama and Eastern Tennessee two of their favorite destinations. Their Motor Home at Lake Pomme de Terre, Missouri was their home away from home in later years. Fourth of July was always a “blast” at the Morrison ranch in Holt; Jay’s favorite holiday. The memories made there are treasured by the family especially Jay’s grandchildren; Andy, John, Dan and Kate Walter, Josh and Sam Morrison; Nathan King, Jessica and Brandon Morrison, and John Gicante IV.

A private memorial service will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Liberty Hospital Hospice, P.O. Box 1002, Liberty, MO 64069. Condolences can be sent to TerraceParkFuneralHome.com. The family would like to thank the Liberty Hospital Hospice Team, and especially Christy Anthony for their compassionate care to our Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and friend.