Roderick Olen Morris (Known as Rod to family and friends) was born on March 26, 1963 in Olathe, Colorado to Bobby and Merrell Morris. He entered into eternal rest at the age of 55 on June 13, 2018 at his home surrounded by those he loved most.

He is survived by wife of 34 years Lynell Morris of Lakewood Village, TX; three sons Jacob and wife Sara of Lakewood Village, TX, Caleb and wife Chelsea of Lake Dallas, TX, Andrew and wife Heidi of Lake Dallas, TX; three brothers, three sisters, and a multitude of family, brethren, and friends.

He spent his childhood years in Colorado, where he graduated from Olathe High School with the class of 1981. He was baptized into the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn on a snowy subzero evening on February 4, 1980 by Brother Bud Lugard. He was a faithful member of the church for the remainder of his life on this earth. Rod was ordained as an elder of the church in Irving, TX on September 17, 2006.

On November 18, 1983, Rod married the love of his life, Lynell Lewis. Their marriage was a wonderful relationship, and an example to many. Marriage became one of his passions to teach and preach on. To this happy union was added three wonderful sons, Jacob Rod Morris, Caleb Isaac Morris, and Andrew Thomas Morris. Rod and Lynell thoroughly enjoyed their little family and the many hours they spent together. As a young family they enjoyed many adventurous vacations. Moments spent close to home were just as precious, though, as time together was where their true happiness was really found. Hikes or four-wheeler rides up in the mountains, skiing on the Colorado ski slopes, or simply having a family night of playing musical instruments together were all treasured moments. Rod also was a pilot and loved to fly. There were few things he enjoyed more than taking family and friends on a flight over the mountains and canyons of western Colorado in his Cessna. The lessons that he learned in flight school, such as keeping your eye on the goal and constantly correcting your course, became a metaphor in his service to God.

Rod was thrilled when his sons married and he finally got those precious daughters that he had always wanted. Sara, Chelsea, and Heidi were dear to his heart and he truly loved them as if they were his own. Recently Lynell told Rod, "We sure have some precious children," and he replied, "Yes, all six of them!" Their precious family soon grew to include seven beautiful grand-daughters, and one handsome grandson, Kyla, Kenzie, Eli, Kadence, Henley, Lydia, Karlee, and Hayden. Together this extended family enjoyed many joyous times together. Family vacations were anticipated by all; as they shared many fun hours, adventures, stories, and joys. Family dinners almost always concluded with hours of visiting around the table enjoying each other's company. Rod loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and their sweet hugs. When he saw his grandchildren his heart melted.

Rod was a Jack of all trades, and mastered many. He was a master electrician for nearly thirty years, loved to build cabinets and do all sorts of wood work, and was an excellent carpenter. He spent the last several years as a general contractor building custom homes, completing remodels, and replacing hail damaged roofs. He was instrumental in building the church in which his memorial service will be held. Rod loved to be a benefit to his sons and their families. He was also instrumental in remodeling houses for Caleb and Andrew, and building a house for Jacob and their families.

There were many things that were dear to Rod throughout his life, but none as dear as his wife Lynell.  Lynell was his constant companion, his best friend, and the love of his life! He loved time spent with her, whether it was on an adventure, enjoying their morning coffee and tea together, or simply sitting in silence. He loved good gospel singing, playing hymns with his boys on his big upright bass, watching the sunrise, a good cup of coffee, the satisfaction of a good long hard day's work, horseback rides through the mountains on brisk cool mornings, and the thrill of timber crashing as a herd of elk came plowing through. He was rarely without a big smile on his face and a song in his heart. He loved spending time enjoying God's creation; he was always in awe of the awesome handiwork of God. Psalm 19:1 was one of his favorite scriptures. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."

Though Rod will be missed of all, his testimony would truly be "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 17, 2018 from 7-8 PM at General Assembly and Church of the First Born at 3189 Swisher Rd . Denton, Texas. Funeral services will be held at the church on Monday, June 18, 2018 at 10:30 A.M. with interment to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton.