William Leslie Morris

William Leslie Morris, age 90, of Vandalia, MO passed away at 1:39 am Saturday, June 6, 2020 at his home.  

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at the Waters Funeral Home. Pastor Jamie Franke will officiate. Burial will be in the Vandalia Cemetery following the service.

Visitation celebrating the life of William Leslie Morris will be held at 10:00 am until the time of service Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at the Waters Funeral Home.

The public is welcome to attend the visitation and services for William but due to Covid-19 we are asking you follow social distancing guidelines. Please stay six feet apart and avoid close contact. Anyone in attendance is encouraged to wear a mask or other personal protective equipment.

Leslie was born on February 18, 1930, in Jonesburg, Missouri the son of  the late James and Helen (Hunter) Morris.

Leslie married Dorothy McIntosh on March 5, 1948. They owned a 416 acre farm in Pike County where they raised their five children, Wayne (Nicki) Morris, Juanita (Rich) Haas, Beverly (Butch) Smith, Lawrence (Jill) Morris and Loretta (Bill) Brown. While their marriage wouldn't last forever as they'd hoped they remained close until Dorothy's passing on March 16, 1997.

Leslie married Patty Griffith on July 24, 1986, she survives of the home. His Passion for horses took them to Osage City, Kansas where he formed a partnership with Clyde and Marion Burnes. They raised cattle and Leslie trained cutting horses. He was admired and loved by many in the cutting horse circuit. They would move back to Auxvasse, Missouri in 1998 where they lived until Leslie got sick. 

Leslie left behind his five children and grandchildren from his marriage to Dorothy. His four stepchildren, Larry (Janet) Griffith, Gary (Kim) Griffith, Donna (Jimmy) House and Billy (Rhonda) Griffith and grandchildren. 

He was proceeded in death by his parents; two sisters, Dollie Jean and Idella Morris; brother, Harold Morris; grandson, Lance Abell and step-granddaughter, Danielle House.

William was a member of  First Christian Church, the Quarter Horse Association and the Vandalia Saddle Club. 

Pallbearers will be Scott Haas, Michael Haney, Zack Matthews, Casey Cleeton, Kevin Morrow and Lesleigh Hollis. 

Honorary pallbearers are John Fort, Richard Primis and Floyd Dameron. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, in care of Waters Funeral Home. 

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on William's memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com