Eugene W. Morris

Eugene W. Morris, 85, of Elizabethtown, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, June 28, 2015 surrounded by his loving family.  He was born Tuesday, January 7, 1930 in Palmyra, to the late Ashby J. and Ruth J. (Haag) Morris.  He was married to Jean (Rutherford) Morris on April 11, 1954.

A Veteran of the Korean Conflict, Eugene proudly served with the U.S. Navy.  Following his service to his country Eugene enrolled at Penn State University to study electrical engineering.  He worked for IBM for many years in data processing on such projects as the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo moon missions.  He earned the Apollo Achievement Award for his involvement with Apollo 11’s successful achievement of man’s first landing on the moon. Following his work with NASA he contributed to many prestigious programs which included the SAFEGUARD program, the Trident Submarine Design and Development Program, and the AEGIS Combat System.  Simultaneously, he built and developed Locust Hill Apartments which he managed throughout his retirement.

Eugene worked hard and played hard.  In retirement, he would take breaks from working on the apartments to give tractor rides to grandchildren and neighborhood youngsters.  He enjoyed hosting joyous family vacations and gatherings which often included a great deal of candy.  

In addition to his wife of over 61 years, he will be lovingly missed by a daughter, Michele M. Smith, of Elizabethtown; a son, Lindsey G. Morris and wife Cynthia, of Elizabethtown; grandchildren, Lauren Smith, Leah Lyons, Rye Morris and Reed Morris; two brothers, James and Gary Morris; sisters, Anna May Ebersole, Rita Brandt, Kathy Brubaker, Jackie Gibler, Joyce Strickler and Linda Brinser, as well as his extended family and caring friends.  He was predeceased by a brother, Carl Morris, a sister, Marilyn Morris and a son-in-law, Douglas Smith.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, July 3, 2015 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 398 North Locust Street, Elizabethtown with Pastor Gary Epler officiating.  Burial will follow in Mount Tunnel Cemetery, Elizabethtown.  Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to view at the church from 10 AM until the time of the service on Friday.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA  17022.

Kindly omit flowers.  Memorial contributions can be made in Eugene’s Memory to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at the above listed address.  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.millerfuneralhome.com

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