Clarence J. Morris, also known as Arkie and Coach Morris, age 85, died Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at Stanton County Hospital in Johnson, Kansas. He was born April 20, 1935, in Guymon, Oklahoma, the son of Clarence “Chuck” and Hazel (Amen) Morris.
Arkie graduated from Stanton County High School. He continued his education at Garden City Community College then transferred to Ft. Hays State University. He enjoyed sports and lettered every year in football, basketball and track. Arkie married Emeryl Windmill on July 25, 1953, in Johnson. Arkie was a coach, teacher, and bus driver for USD 452. In his 39 years as an educator and coach at Stanton County High School, he was one of the most successful cross country and track coaches in Kansas High School history. Among his accomplishments are; the Hall of Fame 2003 Teacher and Coach, State Competition KSHSAA: Boys and Girls Track, Boys and Girls Cross Country, and Boys Basketball earning 30 State Championships, 24 State Runner-ups, 18 Third-place finishes, KCA Coach of the Year six times, NFICA District V: National Coach of the Year 1984-1991-1997. He also worked for Stanton County Recreation and ran the swimming pool for 46 years. Even with all these accomplishments and accolades, Arkie loved his kids and grandkids and considered them his greatest accomplishment. In his retirement, Arkie and Emeryl were able to purchase property at Canton Lake and had the opportunity to spend a lot of time there with family and friends, where they enjoyed boating and fishing. Arkie enjoyed traveling and time spent with lifelong friends, Coach Ed Royalty and wife, Dorothy.
Arkie is survived by his children, Leilah Butt and husband Vernon of Manter, Larry Morris and wife Trish of Johnson, Doug Morris and wife Natasha of Lamar, Colorado, and Brenda Wolf and husband Troy of Johnson; brother, Mearl Morris of Johnson; sisters, Betty Barber of Johnson, and Judy Figgins and husband Jay of Longdale, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Arkie is preceded in death by his parents, Chuck and Hazel; wife, Emeryl; and sister, Joyce Bezona.
Private funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 22, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church in Johnson with Pastor Mary Courtney officiating. The funeral service will be live streamed on Garnand Funeral Home Facebook page. A public interment will follow at the Stanton County Cemetery with Masonic Rites. The public is encouraged to wear masks and social distance. Visitation will be 2:00 pm – 8:00 PM on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at Garnand Funeral Home in Johnson. Memorial contributions may be given to the Stanton County Cross Country Team in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
