Waymond O. Morris

Waymond O. Morris, 82, of Owensboro joined his wife, Alyce, passing on her birthday, Thursday May 10, 2018 at his home with his family by his side. Mr. Morris was born February 21, 1936 in Butler County to the late Cecil Edward Morris and Gladys Mann Morris. Waymond was a pillar in the Owensboro community as a teacher, coach, principal, commissioner, and mayor. He grew up excelling in sports and graduated from Owensboro High School in 1955 where he played on the State Championship football team after lettering all four years and voted All State. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his B.A. in Political Science while playing football for the Wildcats. Waymond then received his M.A. and Rank 1 from Western Kentucky University and began his outstanding career in education in Russellville where he taught History and coached track and football being voted Class A Coach of the Year. He then moved to Daviess County where he continued his passion for teaching and coaching. He was the head football coach from 1965-1975 and principal of DCHS, being awarded Principal of the Year in 1989. In 1995, he retired to become mayor of Owensboro after serving as a city commissioner and mayor pro-tem. He retired from public office in 2004 as the longest serving mayor in Owensboro history but continued to live a very active life. Waymond continued to be very supportive of the Owensboro Symphony and Owensboro Fine Arts Museum.

The community was well served by Waymond but there was another side that not everyone got to see. Most were aware of his great sense of humor but he also had a great sense of adventure taking his family on exciting vacations as they grew up and whitewater rafting. His love for sports and exercise never waned. Waymond was known as an avid gardener and cook where he still made holiday meals for his family gatherings. He loved music and dancing regardless of his ability. While a public authority figure, Waymond was also a mentor to many individuals. He loved being with his family including his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchild.

Mr. Morris was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Alyce Barnard Morris last fall; brothers, Bobby Morris and Jimmy Morris.

Those left to cherish his memory include his four daughters: Kathryn Roberts, Kimberly Watson and husband James, Tamara Morris and spouse Kyna Carlton, Kelly Skeens and husband Glenn all of Owensboro; eight grandchildren, Heather Yeiser, Keeley Bowman, Alex King, Jaymee and Andrew Watson, Logan, Luke, and Will Skeens; four great grandchildren, Hadley Boaz, Emma Fitzgerald, Madigan Hargis, and Beckham King; one great-great grandchild, Reid Boaz; sister-in-law, Doris Morris; several nieces and nephews.

The service will be 1:00 PM Monday at Trinity Episcopal Church with Reverend Jane Rothman officiating. Visitation will be Sunday 2:00 till 6:00 PM at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory and Monday 11:30 AM till 1:00 PM at the church.

Memorial contributions may take the form of donations to Hospice of Western Kentucky; Trinity Episcopal Church Memorial Fund; local humane society and animal shelter.