Don Thomas Morris

Don Thomas Morris of Abilene, 44, owner of Tommy Morris Agency, died late Friday afternoon at his home. During an almost two-year health battle he was tended to by his Maker, his family, his cancer specialists in Abilene and M.D. Anderson in Houston, and many friends. Morris was born in Abilene May 10, 1966, to Tommy and Martha Morris, and March 25, 1990, he married Robyn Reynolds in Houston. He was "best friend" to his wife, Robyn, and "Dad" to their four daughters, Emma, Michael Anne, Caroline and Katherine. Morris also is survived by his parents, Tommy and Martha; three sisters and their husbands, Marka and Terry Riddle, Melinda and Tom Stewardson, and Patti and Josh Ensor, all of Abilene; a large extended family; high school, college and business friends; and old friends who knew him as "Don Tom." Morris was preceded in death by his grandparents, Don H. Morris, the late president of Abilene Christian University, and his wife, Alberta, and his mother's parents, Lamon and Jo Smith. In 1985 Morris was graduated from Wylie High School where he was captain of the Bulldog golf team and runner-up state champion in his senior year. He attended Lamar Tech University for one year, the University of Oklahoma for one year, and was graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1991 with a B.A. degree in journalism. He was managing editor of the ACU lab newspaper, The Optimist, in his senior year, during which the paper received all-America honors. After graduation he joined the public relations staff of ACU, and at the time he left the university to join Tommy Morris Agency in 1995, he was director of public relations. At the time of his death Morris was serving on the executive committee of the West Texas Rehabilitation Center and had served a term as president of the Board of Directors. The Morris family attends the Church of The Heavenly Rest, Episcopal. A graveside service will be conducted Monday at 11 a.m. at Elmwood Memorial Park directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Dr. Phil Schubert, president of Abilene Christian University, and the Right Rev. J. Scott Mayer, will speak at the service. Friends are invited to celebrate Don's life at a brunch with the Morris family at 1174 Elmwood Drive after the graveside service. Memorial gifts may be made to the donor's charity of choice.