Donald Morris

Donald Morris, 94, Mandan, formerly of Williston and Ryder, passed away October 13, 2023, at Miller Pointe, Mandan. Funeral services will be held 11:30 AM Friday, October 20 at First Presbyterian Church, Mandan. Visitation will be held one hour prior at the church.

Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Donald was born February 28, 1929, to William and Helen (Jones) Morris in Salem, Indiana. The family moved to Ryder, ND, where he received his education and attended Ryder High School.

He enlisted in the Navy and served from 1946 until his honorable discharge on November 25, 1947.

On March 29, 1946, Donald married Ardys Hill in Sidney, MT, and the two made their home in Ryder. Together, they raised five children. In their retirement, they enjoyed many adventures, including wintering in Mesa, AZ, and traveling all over the country in their motorhome. These new adventures brought them many lifelong friendships that they treasured.

Donald worked in Ryder as a delivery man for Farmer’s Union Oil. Donald and Ardys then moved to Williston, where he owned MorTech Fiberglass. In 2005, he sold the business to his son, Ron.  

While in Ryder, Donald earned his pilot's license and was proud to fly his own plane.  He also enjoyed snowmobiling in Bottineau with friends and taking day trips with Ardys on their motorcycle. In his spare time, he enjoyed being at the cabin on Lake Sakakawea. He enjoyed bringing his boat out on the lake to take in the scenery. Donald could also be found tinkering around in the shop, working on different projects.

Donald is survived by his four children, Sandra Peterson, Ryder, ND, Donnette (Kent) Strange, Florissant, CO, Steve (Marge) Morris, Henderson, TX, and Ronald (Chong) Morris, Billings, MT; daughter-in-law, Phyllis Morris, Spearfish, SD; grandchildren, Deanna Reikow, David Peterson, Carolyn (Kevin) Munns, Toby Morris, Tarrah (Beau) Barbour, Leah Terrell, Kesha Strange, Shannon (Darren) Guess, Jennifer (Jimmy) Andrews, Justin (Cydney) Morris, Jacob Morris, and Angela Kirby; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Norma Berg, Minot, Julie Hill, Grand Forks, and Martha Morris, Oklahoma; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ardys; son, Randall Morris; his parents; son-in-law, LeRoy Peterson; and brothers, Robert and Charles Morris.

His friends and family will miss his sense of humor, his smile, and most of all, his hugs. Rest in peace, Donald.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND, or the Ryder Historical Museums, Ryder, ND.