Johnie Ray Morrow

Johnie was born on May 29, 1943, to Stanley and Nellie Morrow in East Moline, Illinois.

A proud veteran, he served his country in the United States Army as a radio operator and was a devoted member of American Legion Post 31 in Marlin, Texas.

Gifted with a remarkable ability to build and repair nearly anything set before him, he took great pride in his work. Over the course of his life, he held a wide range of professions to include owning and operating his own landscaping business, serving as an avionics technician at General Dynamics, working as a UPS delivery driver, and serving as a medical supply technician at the Marlin VA Medical Center. He also spent many years as a truck driver for various companies. He concluded his life’s work at Texas Pneumatic Tools in Reagan, Texas, where he deeply valued the friendships of his coworkers and the lasting relationships he formed with loyal customers throughout the Fort Worth area. He retired at the age of 82.

He loved the Lord and never hesitated to share God’s Word with others. Johnie never met a stranger; anyone who crossed his path was met with a smile, a kind word, and often a good laugh. He loved his children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews deeply, and his face would light up whenever they visited or called.

Although born in Illinois, he eventually made his way with his family to the Los Angeles area of California. There, he met the mother of his children, and together they settled in Bassett, California. In 1969, drawn by opportunity and the promise of Texas, he relocated his family to Waco before ultimately settling in Riesel, where he raised his children and instilled in them a deep love of farming and ranching.

Johnie had a special gift with animals, especially his horses, which he trained himself with a gentle hand and quiet patience. He also found joy in gardening and in raising cattle, goats, and chickens.

He later moved to Marlin, where he met and married his loving wife, Judy, on March 29, 1990. He devoted himself to helping raise his two stepsons, instilling in them the values of love, compassion, and a strong work ethic. For 35 years, he and Judy shared a life as best friends, inseparable, full of joy, building their home, cultivating their ranch, and pursuing their dreams together. They enjoyed traveling and exploring new places, where he especially delighted in meeting new people and forming lasting connections.

Those who preceded him in death include his parents; sisters Donna Free and Gloria Cant; and brothers James Morrow, David Morrow, and Allen Morrow.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Judy Morrow; his daughter, Wendy Morrow of Hewitt; and his son, Wade Morrow (Trina) of Hewitt. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Matthew Yezak (Angela) and Michael Yezak (Jennifer), both of Bosqueville; as well as many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is further survived by his sister, Janice Bartolo of Long Beach, California. Last but not least, his beloved horses, Skeeter and Bubba, will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Legion using the link below: https://mylegion.org/personifyebusiness/Give/Donate-Online/Donate-Now?CashProductId=134413

***In the “Dedicate To/For” area, please add: Johnie R. Morrow for American Legion Post 31 in Marlin, Texas, ℅ Post Commander Judge Jay Elliott