Robert J. Morris, Jr.

Robert J. Morris, Jr., 88, of Goshen died Friday, December 4, 2020 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Jan. 12, 1932 in Decatur, Illinois to Robert J., Sr. and Margaret L. (Ross) Morris.

On June 6, 1952 he married Jean Nelson in Springfield, Illinois. She died Aug. 6, 2015. He later married Betty Jo (Kinnison) Gawthrop Morris on Oct. 8, 2016.

She survives along with his children, R. Thomas (Sandi) Morris of Bristol, Debora (Reid) Heinekamp of Sugar Grove, Illinois, Charles (Theresa) Morris, Sr. of Elkhart and Sandra Jean (David) Gould of Rockford, Michigan; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Nancy Anne Walker of Arizona.

Along with his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, George William Morris.

Mr. Morris graduated from Decatur High School, Decatur, Illinois, in 1950 and received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois. He then served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957.

Following his military service, Robert earned a master’s degree from Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia in 1962. As a research chemist he earned seven patents and had 13 research papers published in professional technical journals. He furthered his education at Harvard Business School receiving an advanced management program degree in 1972.

His interests then led him on a new career path, moving his family to Middlebury as Vice President of Engineering at Coachmen, Ind. and later as President of Coachmen Homes.

As an entrepreneur, Mr. Morris was founder and president of Medallion Plastics from 1976-1993, a family business operating in Middlebury and Elkhart. He served as a member on several Board of Directors. After retirement he began focusing on his true passion in fine art photography, opening his own gallery, publishing several books, and receiving several national awards.

Robert was a member of First United Methodist Church, Goshen where he served in leadership positions and was a founding member of The Primetimers.  Other memberships included the Goshen Rotary Club and as the founder of The Goshen Photographers Guild, Inc.

Due to the current Covid pandemic, the family will gather for a private service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Pastor Chad Yoder, will officiate.

Burial will be at Violett Cemetery, Goshen.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorial gifts in his honor may be directed to the First United Methodist Church Primetimers.

Online condolences may be shared at www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com .