Donald Lewis Morris, 78, of Union, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, May 13th, leaving behind a legacy of love, adventure, and curiosity. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, he was the youngest of five children.

Don met his high school sweetheart, Jill, in Arizona and they were married in January 1968, marking the beginning of 57 years together. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Don was a steady and thoughtful presence in the lives of all who knew him.

He had a fulfilling career as a chemical engineer with DuPont, retiring after many years of dedication, hard work, and travel. Don’s profession took him and his family to several places across the country, including Texas, California, Kentucky, and West Virginia, but no matter where he lived, he found a way to connect with the world around him.

A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Don found joy in the simple pleasures of life — hiking wooded trails, riding his bike, traveling with Jill and friends, and sharing memories geocaching with his family. He was especially fond of moments spent in nature, often feeding deer in his backyard or exploring the world from his favorite trails in Colorado. His family affectionately called him “Gramps,” and he cherished every moment with them. In his final months, Don found joy in watching a live eagle cam from California, closely following the growth of two eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo — a fitting symbol of his enduring love for life and nature.

Preceding him in death are his parents, James and Louise (Moore) Morris; and his siblings, David Nelson, John Nelson, Nancy Stanley, and Henry Nelson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jill; their two children, Brenda (David) Stepner and Brent (Katey) Morris; and four grandchildren, Julia and Joshua Stepner, and James and Adam Morris. He is also remembered by a host of extended family and friends who will miss his gentle spirit and adventurous heart.

In honor of Don’s memory, his family encourages everyone to spend time outdoors — take a walk in nature, listen to the birds, or simply appreciate the beauty around you, just as he always did. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sierra Club by clicking here.