Eugene E Morris, a longtime Speedway resident, left this life to see his Savior face to face on March 31, 2023. He was born August 12, 1936, in South Bend, Indiana, to Elmer Morris and Lillian (Grebe) Morris.

Gene graduated from South Bend Central in 1954 and attended classes at Purdue University. During high school, Gene worked in several student theater productions under the direction of James Lewis Casaday. He also started his lifelong love of music with piano lessons during elementary school. His neighbor, a more “serious” pianist, would always begin to play loudly whenever Gene sat down to practice. We will hold the beautiful music he played in our hearts forever.

After moving to Indianapolis, Gene married Patty (Day) on December 28, 1958. They celebrated their 60th anniversary prior to Patty’s death in 2019.

Gene served in the Army, spending most of his time in 3rd Armored Division, Headquarters Company, from 1959 to 1961. Patty moved to Germany with him, and they enjoyed touring Europe together.

Upon return from Germany, Gene went to work for the Indiana State Highway Commission (now INDOT), where he would work for the next 42 years. He passed the Civil Engineering exam and began to work with utilities across Indiana, first as a field inspector and later as head of the Utilities Section during much of the 70’s and 80’s. For the most part, he worked in that section until his retirement.

Gene was introduced to fire buffing at an early age. He spent a lot of his time at South Bend Fire Department’s Central Station (Station 1) during his youth. Gene was a member of the Indianapolis Fire Buffs for 50 years and helped to establish a fire history exhibit, opened in 1976, at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

Gene was a member of Speedway United Methodist Church for over 50 years where he served in various leadership positions, as an usher, banner-hanger, sign changer, and as manager of the Methodist Men’s race parking. He especially enjoyed playing in the handbell choir.

Gene also served as leader of the Webelos of Cub Scout Pack 66 for several years during the 70’s.

He and Patty loved having dogs as pets for almost 40 years: Belle, Brandy, Ella, and Jade. Gene was active in the Dalmatian Club of Greater Indianapolis for several years.

In addition to Patty, Gene was predeceased by his parents and his brother William Morris. He is survived by his son Dan, daughter-in-law Kerri, and grandson Alan, who is Gene’s pride and joy; and by special family friend Joan Callahan.

The family would like to thank the caring health professionals at IU Health and Methodist Hospice who assisted with love during Gene’s last few days this side of Heaven

A funeral service for Gene will be held at Speedway United Methodist Church, 5065 W 16th, Speedway, Indiana, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 7, 2023, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the church. The members of Speedway UMC surrounded Gene with love for many years.

04/04/2023 JFC