Michael Allen Morris

Michael Allen "Mike" Morris, 68, of Topeka, Kansas passed away peacefully in his home on November 3, 2022, after a faithful fight against cancer. A native son of Beatrice, Nebraska, he was born on Christmas morning, December 25, 1953, to Myron H. "Mike" Morris and the late Betty Folkers Morris. A born leader, Mike was the oldest of three boys. He is survived by his wife, Bev Raser Morris, daughters Maggie (Nathan) Mick of Lexington, Kentucky, and Jessie (Graham) Garlinghouse of Columbia, South Carolina. He was proud "Papa" to Birdie and Hank Mick and Caroline and Molly Garlinghouse. Molly was born on October 22, 2022, and her arrival gave him great happiness in his final days. Other survivors include his father, brother Douglas Morris of Lincoln, Nebraska, as well as an uncle, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother and youngest brother, Wesley Morris. He cherished his relationship with his father to his final days.

In high school, Mike spotted Bev Raser in the balcony of Centenary United Methodist Church in Beatrice and pursued her with great intention throughout their college years. They were married on November 26, 1977.

A proud Husker his entire life, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska where he was President of Theta Xi fraternity. He spent his career building businesses in the financial services industry. He was an independent insurance executive with credentials as a Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant. He was honored to serve as chair of a Topeka estate planners discussion group and was a qualifying member of The Million Dollar Roundtable and listed as a noteworthy Insurance Executive by Marquis Who's Who.

Mike and Bev moved to Topeka in 1981. He served the Topeka community as vice-chairman of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Topeka Convention and Visitors Bureau, annual chairman for Leadership Greater Topeka, and president of both the Topeka 20/30 Club and Westboro Homeowners Association. He spent his time performing good deeds for causes including the Masons, the Arab Shrine of Topeka, and Kansas Republican Party. He was committed to developing young leaders who would go on to serve their communities. A deeply devout man of faith, he was a Sunday School teacher and served as chair of the Leadership Council at Topeka First United Methodist Church.

Mike, "Mosey" to his frat brothers, greeted everyone with a bright and raspy "Hi!" and most will only remember him smiling. He always said, "Don't be a stranger", and lived the mantra every day.

He was an avid golfer and enjoyed organizing golf events for his buddies. He had the heart of a sportsman and instilled his competitive spirit, paired with unwavering sportsmanship, in his daughters.

A celebration of life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at First United Methodist Church 600 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66603. The service will be livestreamed at www.forthegoodofthecity.org. Inurnment will be at Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice, Nebraska on December 23. A Memorial Fund has been established and gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church of Topeka.

To leave a message for Mike's family, please visit the guestbook below.