Kathryn Gardner Morrison

Kathryn Gardner Morrison, 95, a longtime Abilene resident, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2016, in Temple Texas. Born in Hamlin Texas on May 14, 1920 to Benjamin Harrison Gardner and Myrl Fletcher Gardner, Kathryn graduated from Hamlin High School in 1938 and McMurry College in 1942. Working in Odessa she rekindled her friendship with Bob Morrison, a McMurry Indian alum. And the two were married in 1946 in Hamlin Texas. Upon moving back to Abilene, Kathryn taught sixth grade at Valley View Elementary School, retiring after 30 years. Her students made a point to stay in contact with her and were quick to share that “she’s my favorite”. Kathryn mentored many first-year teachers and was a strong role model throughout her years with Abilene Independent School District. St. Paul United Methodist Church was also blessed by her presence. Kathryn and Bob were longtime members and active in the Propheteers Sunday School Class, and Kathryn in The United Methodist Women. She was always quick to volunteer, provide lunches, and participate in the St. Paul’s Garage Sale. Kathryn treasured her relationships in the Abilene Woman’s Club and Retired Teachers Association as well. Above all, Kathryn was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. Attending FFA competitions and sporting events, she made being in two places at one time, look easy. All the men in her house adored her and fiercely protected her. Her nephews each referred to her as, ‘my favorite’. The love and memories she gave us all are buried deep in our hearts and we will draw on them as we miss her in the times to come. Mary Kathryn Morrison was born May 13, 1920 and died, Sunday January 31, 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents B. H. ‘Harry’ and Myrl Fletcher Gardner; husband R. P. ‘Bob’ Morrison, Jr., daughter Louise Morrison; brothers Edward W. Gardner, Harry Gardner, Jr, and Robert Gardner; sister, Dorothy Gardner Sullivan. Kathryn is survived by two sons Robert Peter ‘Pete’ Morrison III, and wife Phillis; and Paul Gardner Morrison, and wife Barbara; one sister Frances Gardner Young; five grandchildren, Melanie Louise Morrison, Matthew Robert Morrison and wife Jessica, Marty Raymond Morrison and wife Kelsie; John Dawson, Annette Dawson; great-grandson, Marty Tucker Morrison. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 5, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. A private family burial will precede the memorial service, which will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 6, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 525 Beech Street, Abilene. The family invites all to a reception immediately following the service at the church. If you wish to make a memorial donation in Kathryn’s name, please do so to the R. P. ‘Bob’ and Kathryn G. Morrison Endowed Scholarship at McMurry University, Box 938, Abilene Texas 79697. May the blessings of God rest upon Kathryn’s strong spirit and tender heart, and in each of us.