Lyle Gene Morris passed away on March 23, 2025, while doing what he enjoyed, taking care of his cattle. He was the third child, born at home on July 2, 1947, to Eunice and Glen Morris. Lyle grew up on the farm while helping to raise the animals, showing some at the local fair and getting into his share of antics. One of his lifelong grade school friends, Danny Anderson helped him spread the mischief around equally.
He helped his father who was an electrician and learned a lot along the way. As a young man of 22, he married and they added two younger siblings, Shawn Marie, and Leslie Chad to step-daughter Staria Jean. Eventually divorced, Lyle remarried, adding three more children, Todd Michael, and twins Travis Gene, and Trisha Lynn. In time, this marriage ended but he loved all his children and gave to them generously. While they never married, he lived the remainder of his life with his partner, Kathy Fanta.
One of the constants in his life was driving a truck of some sort, whether it be a long-haul semi, a tanker truck, or being in his personal truck. He taught students how to drive for a bit at the Sun Prairie Deisel Truck Driving School in Sun Prairie, WI as well. He was in the “semi” line of work for over 50 years. We all heard “This is my last year, I’m letting my license expire.” for the past 4 or 5 years, but he just couldn’t stop and slow down. He also worked at GTE for a few years as a fleet mechanic and there wasn’t much he couldn’t fix. That “fix” may have made him chronically late but just give him a start time of 2 hours before he actually needed to be somewhere, and he would almost be on time. He stayed busy and would try to accomplish 40 hours of work in a day’s time, but this also spoke to his generosity with his time. He was always willing to help someone. Over the years, he previously belonged to the following groups, Yuba First Responders, Percheron Association, Pinzgauer Association, and the Teamster Local 695.
Lyle enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his kids that would go along. Sorry to tell his boys, but he thought Trisha had the best shot! There are so many stories to be told here, from sinking boats to getting the big one and both include him screaming like a schoolgirl. He continued his enjoyment of animals as a young boy into his adulthood, caring for his cattle and he had owned horses, pigs, mules, a couple of donkeys, guineas, goats, even a very large billy goat who was only fond of Lyle. While owning mules, Lyle was in his cowboy stage of life and started K and L Jackstock with Kathy. He also loved his beagles and his current girl, Little Sister loved being spoiled by him daily.
Lyle is preceded in death by his father, Glen Irven Morris, his mother, Eunice Blanche (Essex) Morris, and a sister-in-law, Ann Morris. He is survived by his loving partner of over 40 years, Kathy Fanta, (who also has the patience of a saint for putting up with all of us); five children, Shawn (Tim) Feiring, Chad (Amber) Morris, Todd (Alise) Morris, Travis (Catie) Morris, Trisha (Jason) Williams; eleven grandchildren, Holden Morris, Tory Phillips, Kristen Halink, Kaylynn Morris, Parker Williams, Kaden Williams, Laif Morris, Colyns Morris, Lyncoln Morris, Myles Morris, and Landen Morris; one great grandchild, Hayven Morris; and two brothers, James (Ann) Morris and LaVerne (Julie) Morris. There are many nieces, nephews and extended family members as well who he enjoyed spending time with making them laugh or playing tricks on them.
The joy he brought to all his family makes it hard to find the appropriate words. We will remember him watching western movies, bidding in any auction he could find (online or in-person), always being on the hunt for a gun, telling jokes, being a prankster, and when he did stop for a minute, falling asleep in .01 seconds. He was kind and his presence felt often with few words having to be spoken. He was quick-witted, loved his gadgets, and offered some of the best advice. Lyle lived a life worth living enjoying what he could and putting up with a lot of shenanigans from his kids and grandkids. Again, Kathy deserves credit here too!
We will never stop missing him and the heartbreak is too enormous to be adequately described. Peace comes from seeing him with the family that left before him, watching his cattle graze over the soft ground and the clouds waving from above. You will be missed with every ounce of love that you gave to us. See you on the other side of those clouds.
A Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Yuba Community Center from 11am to 4pm. Everyone is welcome and light refreshments served until 3pm. The Clary Memorial Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
