Morris Brown Jr. of Blackwell, Oklahoma, passed from this life on September 11, 2012, in the Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home at the age of 96 years.

Morris Brown Jr. was born on August 13, 1916, in Morrison, Oklahoma, to Morris and Louise (Bilbrey) Brown. He grew up on a farm near Morrison and as a teenager moved to Stillwater where he graduated in 1933. He furthered his education by attending Oklahoma A. & M. Following his education he returned to the farm and assisted with the farming operation until 1942 when he entered the United States Army during World War II. He served his country in the European, African, Middle and Eastern Theater of Operations until July of 1943. He was honorable discharged on August 13, 1943. Following his discharge he returned to Oklahoma and on April 22, 1945, married Leona Purser in Geary, Oklahoma. They settled in Oklahoma City until 1948 when they moved to a farm near Red Rock, Oklahoma, and he continued in the farming business. In 1952 they moved to Blackwell to make their home and in 1957 he began working for Kay County as an equipment operator. Following twenty-four years of service he retired in June of 1981. Following his retirement he gave back to the community by helping and serving those around him. His wife preceded him in death on September 4, 2005, and he continued to make Blackwell his home. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church and the JOY Group. He also held membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He enjoyed playing pitch and dominoes with family and friends. He was a committed husband, father, grandfather and friend who influenced and impacted everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed and in our hearts forever.

He is survived by his son, Jim Brown and wife Fonda of Oklahoma City; his daughter, Marcia Reese of Houston, Texas; a sister, Juanita Secrest of Wichita, Kansas; five grandchildren, Leurena Reese of Houston, Texas, Eddie Reese of Oklahoma City, Kathryne Reese of Oklahoma City, Justin Brown of Midwest City, Oklahoma, and Zachary Brown of Oklahoma City; his neighbor and caregiver, Anne Armstrong; and his dear friend and companion, Donna Wright.

He was also preceded in death by is parents; and five sisters, Sophia Brown, Mary Lee German, Anna Mae Nyere, Lois Lee Reese and Florence Rueger.

Services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Friday, September 14th in the First Baptist Church in Blackwell with Rev. John Young of Ponca City officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Leurena Reese, Eddie Reese, Kathryne Reese, Justin Brown and Zachary Brown. Honorary casketbearers will be Tom Hall, Earl Allen and Glenn Terrell.