Wayne Lavern Morris was born on April 13, 1941 in Ottawa, Kansas.  He was the only child born to Frank and Nellie (O’Neal) Morris.

Wayne grew up in Ottawa, Kansas where he attended Ottawa Public Schools and Ottawa University.  He lived the majority of his adult life in Overland Park, Kansas until his passing on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.

Wayne enlisted in the United States Army in 1962 and was stationed at Fort Riley. He was honorably discharged in 1967.

Wayne worked several construction jobs during high school.  The majority of Wayne’s professional life was spent as a salesman.  He worked at Hudson Oil, Westvaco, Stone Container and culminated his sales career at IBT (Industrial Bearing & Transmission).

Wayne was a devoted son, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  Wayne was an avid reader and enjoyed history.  His interest in genealogy led to traveling and connecting with distant relatives.  Wayne was an active member of Foresters which led him and his family to many lifelong relationships with dear friends. 

On March 30, 1974, Wayne married his “blue eyes”, Laraine Combs.  Wayne was previously married to Linda Robinson.  They were later divorced. 

Wayne is survived by his wife, Laraine, of 47 years; six daughters: Lori Bell (Ron)  of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Shelley Hayward (Jim) of Princeton, Kansas,  Elizabeth Pittman (Sandip) of Chesapeake, Virginia, Tracy Warner (Rick) of West Des Moines, Iowa, Karen Colwell (Mike) of Port Charlotte, Florida and Mindi Masoner (Dallas) of Chanute, Kansas.  Wayne leaves behind 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grand children. 

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents and his great granddaughter, Oaklyn Gray Goff. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care at 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145