Arthur ÔArt' Fred Morris, 85

"Mercifully, the Lord took Art to his eternal home" after long years of failing health. "Art was welcomed into open arms" on Oct. 14, 2008, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was the eighth and youngest child of A.J. and Edna Morris and was born April 15, 1923, in Kalispell.

Art and his wife, Jean, were married in Waterloo, Iowa, on May 11, 1947. They were to celebrate their 62nd anniversary in May 2009.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and four brothers.

Art is survived by his sweetheart and wife, Jean; their son, Larry; one brother, David, who will be 96 in November, and David's wife, Helen; granddaughters, Shanna and Annette, and their mother, Barbara Birdsall, all of New Jersey; many nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. He cherished each and every one and often spoke of how blessed his life had been.

Art was a longtime employee of the Great Northern and then the Burlington Northern railroad for 43 years and four months. He retired in 1986 as No. 1 on the seniority roster for this division.

Art's memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at First Baptist Church of Whitefish.

Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome memorials in his name to Hope Ranch, St. Jude's Hospital, or the charity of your choice.