Robert Harold Morriss of Durango, CO passed away suddenly on December 22, 2022. He was 90 years old.

Bob was a Physics professor, photographer, artist, and athlete. He enjoyed having coffee with friends, traveling, camping, hiking, and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and MANNA. He was kind, loving, intelligent, generous and above all humble. His enormous heart touched the lives of everyone he met.

Bob was born in Beaumont, TX and graduated from Lamar College, Southern Methodist University, and Rice University. After completing his education, he began teaching at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA where he stayed for 37 plus years. He was greatly admired by his colleagues and adored by his students.

Bob was preceded in death by his father John Thomas Morriss, his mother Lella Kiningham Morriss, his brothers Jim and Tom, and his first wife Frances Johnson Morriss.

He is survived by his wife Betsy of Durango, CO, daughters Amy Morriss Stowers of Greensboro, NC, Susan Morriss Nichols of New Orleans, LA, and Lili Ferrell Sutherland of Fort Worth, TX, and his grandchildren Jake Deuterman, Charlie Stowers, Miller and Sam Nichols, and Kari and Justin Sutherland.

A memorial and burial service will be held on May 5, 2023 at 1pm at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Durango, CO. In lieu of flowers, a wonderful way to honor Bob, who deeply cared for our unhoused, would be donations to "Neighbors in Need Alliance", https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z4GS/home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald from Jan. 18 to Jan. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Morriss

Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.

5 Entries

Marti Kiely

December 12, 2023

Where does one begin to all about the level of Bob´ smile, his warmth, and the opportunity to share such precious time with Bob (and Betsy) being a newcomer to Durango and working side by side at Manna Soup Kitchen. Not only a joy but an honor to volunteer with them. Bob always doing the dishes, a lot of dishes, as well as laughing and always being happy to see me show up with MORE DISHES. He set me on the path of volunteering there and to this day I can still see him there with a big smile and a warmth that filled the air and my spirit. Bless you on your new journey. M.

Christine Donelian Coughlin

May 11, 2023

I was one of Dr. Morriss´ physics students at Tulane and became his research assistant in his study of color theory. At a time when not many women pursued a career in science, he encouraged me. I earned my B.S. in Physics in 1987 from Tulane, thanks to his support (and that of Dr. Ronald Deck). I remember him with great fondness, possessing a brilliant mind and, as importantly, a kind, generous, and humble spirit. Behavior matters, and his admirable manner influenced my own approach to life and to my career path. I will keep Dr. Morriss (and his family) in my prayers, with gratitude for the many life lessons he taught me during my undergraduate education, and with the hope that our spirits cross paths once again.

February 15, 2023

May your memories give you peace and comfort of your loved one. Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for the loss of your loved one. May GOD be with you all during this difficult time. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we have faith that Jesus died and rose again, so too God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in death through Jesus.

Marti Kiely

January 25, 2023

Dearest Betsy, I am just catching up on emails after our 6 week trip and I found Bobs obituary. I saw you Sunday and called out to you. I apologize I didn´t know that Bob had passed. I am so very sorry for you and the families loss. It was also such a joy to be in both your company, Manna where I saw him relentlessly washing dishes and always with a smile, at church, and on and on. Both Steve and I feel so blessed to have had our lives graced with not only Bob but yours as well. Bless you. Marti kiely

Annette Somsen

January 18, 2023

Betsy I'm so very sorry to hear about the passing of Bob! I always loved seeing you both at north City Market when you would come back to receiving to pick up donations! ( I was the receiving clerk)
I always looked forward to your hugs, and enjoyable visits!
My condolences to you and your family!
In loving memory of Bob.........

Love, hugs, and prayers!
Annette Martinez Somsen

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