Captain Deryl E. Morris (Ret)-age 95, a devoted Baptist and Eagle scout, passed away surrounded by family on September 6, 2026.

Deryl was born on December 23, 1930, in Campwood, Texas, to Ray Daniel Morris and Birdie Mary Pitchford. He grew up in Beeville, Texas, and went on to graduate from Texas A&M Corp in 1952. After graduation, he joined the US Air Force as a fighter pilot of F-80, F840, F-86 and B-58 for the Korean War. After retiring in 1957 from the US Air Force, he moved to Houston, Texas, and worked in the oil business.

In 1958, he was transferred to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he raised his family. He opened his own business, Universal Machinery Company, in 1968 until his retirement in 2000. He loved flying his plane, hunting, fishing, boating, playing tennis, camping and working in his yard. He returned to Texas in 2009, to complete his life dream of being a rancher.

He never passed on cornbread and milk, or his love of cheese. We will always remember the smell of ChapStick, the way his pant leg was always caught in just one boot, watching him prepare for plane rides, saddling horses, and riding together on the tractor. We will remember his big bear hugs, his stern but loving nature, and listening to the many stories about his life. We will never forget Daddy and PawPaw’s famous words: “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.”

He was married to the love of his life, Janie Lou Smith for 56 years, until she preceded him in death in 2008. He is also preceded by his sister, Robbie Ray Caudle; and nephew, Kerry T. Caudle.

He is survived by his three daughters that will miss him greatly, Sue Lynn (Eddie) Boudreau, Sharon Lea (Mike) Lester, Melanie Morris; and his niece, Cheryl Kay (Charlie) Wilson. He was a proud grandfather of seven, Deryl (Michele) Boudreau, Kasey (Shane) Venezia, Andre (Ashley) Boudreau, Taylor (Andrew) Boudreau, Captain Paden (Fresia) Boshart (Ret), Danny (Melissa) Lester and Janie (Nathan) Dean.

He is also survived by thirteen great-grandchildren that adored him, along with one great-niece; and one great-nephew.

The last four years of his life he was blessed to have his friend and Ranch Manager, Rudy Gonzales and wife Yvonne Campos Gonzales to care for him until his passing. They are truly a blessing to the Morris Ranch and family.

A private family service was held at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home in Beeville, officiated by Pastor Tim Stowe.

Active pallbearers were Deryl Boudreau, Andre Boudreau, Captain Paden Boshart, Danny Lester, Eddie Boudreau and Rudy Gonzales

Honorary pallbearers were Mike Lester, Ross Ballard and Derrick Caudle

If you would like to make a donation in his memory:

Tunnel to Tower Foundation 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 (718) 987-1931, T2T.org

Cal Farley's Boys Ranch P.O. Box 1890, Amarillo, TX 79105 (800)-687-8722, www.calfarley.org