Richard Baynes Morris

Richard Baynes Morris peacefully began his new life in heaven on Sunday morning, October 1, 2017. While many brothers and sisters in Christ were worshiping at their chosen church, Richard chose to go and worship the Lord in person! Richard was born in Bloomington IN on April 27, 1953, the second child of Melvin and Josanna (Baynes) Morris. Richard has been a quick-witted and productive resident of Monroe County his entire life. Richard graduated from Edgewood High School in 1971. He learned his hobbies of working with his hands and woodworking at a young age through 4-H and at the side of his Father and family. These skills were refined over time as he served the needs of many families and friends. Richard continued his education at Indiana University while working full-time in banking. Throughout his banking career that spanned 46 interesting years, he skillfully developed as both a department manager and a custom programming specialist. These two diverse skills served him well. He started in banking with First National Bank. He found additional satisfaction working in locally-managed banks including Monroe Bank, Peoples State Bank and Owen County State Bank. He loved helping customers solve their issues and working with staff to improve services and systems. As a child, Richard’s understanding of Jesus Christ was nurtured at North Central Church of Christ and Maple Grove Christian Church. As an adult, this unassuming man joined Maple Grove Christian Church with a servant’s heart where he was an active brother in Christ as well as a deacon and an elder. Richard also led others to find their own peace-giving faith. Richard willingly volunteered with SAWs (“servants at work,” a Christian group building free handicap ramps), Habitat for Humanity and other worthwhile organizations. He loved all things wood and his shop space full of tools. He also enjoyed camping, hiking, reading, music, movies and simply relaxing with family and friends. Richard knew that those special times spent with loved ones would mean the most, and he was so right! Richard was blessed with a successful liver transplant in 2002. He believed strongly in the value of organ donation by families. Although cancer developed in late 2016, the new liver gave him an extra 15 long years of life to spend with dear ones, including time with his two precious grandchildren. Richard was well loved and is survived by his wife Sherry (Hudson) Morris of Bloomington, son Daniel J. (& Allison) Morris of Bloomington, grandson Gavin Morris (age 11) and granddaughter Morgan Morris (age 8) both of Bloomington, sister Sharon (& Fred) Robbins of Plano TX, brother Ronald (& Gayle) Morris of Bloomington, nephew Mathew (& Tessa) Morris of Gosport, niece Karey (& Michael) Dammer of Bloomington, a dear aunt & uncle Ruth & Paul Schurtter and multiple generations of special family members who have blessed him many times over. We know that Richard is currently side-by-side in heaven with dear ones who arrived before him. Funeral services will be held at Chandler Funeral Home in Ellettsville on Friday, October 6, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Rick Amerine officiating. Burial is to follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the services on Friday. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution could be made to Maple Grove Christian Church at 1503 W. Simpson Chapel Road, Bloomington IN 47404 to support work that is close to Richard’s heart. Matthew 25:21: His master replied: Well done good and faithful servant!

Richard Baynes Morris

April 27, 1953 - October 1, 2017