Obituary for Robert L. "Cherry" Morrison
Robert “Cherry” L. Morrison, age 96, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2021 of natural causes. He was born on April 28, 1924 in Wood River, Illinois, the son of Thomas and Alice Morrison. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Dolores Agnes Morrison (nee: Henkhaus). They were married at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Bethalto, Illinois, June 28, 1952.
Robert was a loving, caring father to 6 children, Rebecca (Dale) Claussen, Mary (Matt) Kavanagh, Daniel (Kathy) Morrison, Patricia (Mark) Wilhelm, Timothy (Lori) Morrison, and David Morrison. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Elizabeth Claussen, Alexander Claussen, Daniel Kavanagh, Christopher Kavanagh, Kathleen Morrison Meyer, Ellen Morrison, Abigail Wilhelm Williamson, Emma Wilhelm, Benjamin Wilhelm, Kelsey Morrison, and Jack Morrison, 4 great grandchildren, Alexandra Claussen, Lane Claussen, Samuel Claussen, and Natalie Meyer. 4 loving sisters preceded him in death, Agnes Short, Grace Herisco, Alberta Hoeber, and Clara White.
Every day Robert illustrated devotion and love to family, intelligence, humility, integrity and humor. Dad exemplified, “Honor is doing the right thing when no one is looking.” He often spoke of his “bride” Dolores, the love of his life. Theirs was a marriage to be admired, of happiness, love and respect. Dad was so much fun, always a joy to be around. He especially enjoyed family gatherings, Thanksgivings in Naperville and Plano, Christmases in Edwardsville. Our family gatherings were numerous, full of much fun, love, food, drink and spirited conversation.
After graduation from East Alton Wood River High School, Robert attended Rankin Technical College. He was drafted in 1943 and served in World War II until 1946. He had an aptitude for all things mechanical, and served as a Corporal in the Air Force, in Texas, repairing aircraft. He was able to attend college on the GI Bill and graduated with honors with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Missouri, Rolla. Dad started his career as a mechanical engineer for Standard Oil Company, retiring there in 1983 as Superintendent of Operations. Upon retirement, he and Dolores traveled extensively, making many new friends along the way.
He was an active member of Saint Bernard’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus in Wood River, later becoming a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church after moving to Edwardsville. He was also very involved in Little League, coaching his sons. He enjoyed golfing and played into his early 80’s.
In celebration of Robert’s life a funeral mass will be celebrated at a future date at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Edwardsville, Illinois with the Father Bob Jallas officiating. A private burial will follow at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Alton, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Family Hospice of Belleville, 5110 West Main Street, Belleville, Il. 62226-4729 or Saint Mary’s Catholic Church 1802 Madison Ave., Edwardsville, Il, 62025.
‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’ Matthew 25:23
Robert was a loving, caring father to 6 children, Rebecca (Dale) Claussen, Mary (Matt) Kavanagh, Daniel (Kathy) Morrison, Patricia (Mark) Wilhelm, Timothy (Lori) Morrison, and David Morrison. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Elizabeth Claussen, Alexander Claussen, Daniel Kavanagh, Christopher Kavanagh, Kathleen Morrison Meyer, Ellen Morrison, Abigail Wilhelm Williamson, Emma Wilhelm, Benjamin Wilhelm, Kelsey Morrison, and Jack Morrison, 4 great grandchildren, Alexandra Claussen, Lane Claussen, Samuel Claussen, and Natalie Meyer. 4 loving sisters preceded him in death, Agnes Short, Grace Herisco, Alberta Hoeber, and Clara White.
Every day Robert illustrated devotion and love to family, intelligence, humility, integrity and humor. Dad exemplified, “Honor is doing the right thing when no one is looking.” He often spoke of his “bride” Dolores, the love of his life. Theirs was a marriage to be admired, of happiness, love and respect. Dad was so much fun, always a joy to be around. He especially enjoyed family gatherings, Thanksgivings in Naperville and Plano, Christmases in Edwardsville. Our family gatherings were numerous, full of much fun, love, food, drink and spirited conversation.
After graduation from East Alton Wood River High School, Robert attended Rankin Technical College. He was drafted in 1943 and served in World War II until 1946. He had an aptitude for all things mechanical, and served as a Corporal in the Air Force, in Texas, repairing aircraft. He was able to attend college on the GI Bill and graduated with honors with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Missouri, Rolla. Dad started his career as a mechanical engineer for Standard Oil Company, retiring there in 1983 as Superintendent of Operations. Upon retirement, he and Dolores traveled extensively, making many new friends along the way.
He was an active member of Saint Bernard’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus in Wood River, later becoming a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church after moving to Edwardsville. He was also very involved in Little League, coaching his sons. He enjoyed golfing and played into his early 80’s.
In celebration of Robert’s life a funeral mass will be celebrated at a future date at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Edwardsville, Illinois with the Father Bob Jallas officiating. A private burial will follow at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Alton, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Family Hospice of Belleville, 5110 West Main Street, Belleville, Il. 62226-4729 or Saint Mary’s Catholic Church 1802 Madison Ave., Edwardsville, Il, 62025.
‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’ Matthew 25:23