Dan Morris

Dan Morris, 75, of Arcanum, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on May 13th. He was born in Darke County, Ohio on January 16, 1948, to Chuck and Edy (Besecker) Morris.

Dan's life was marked by a hardworking spirit, a love for machinery, and a deeply-rooted dedication to those close to him. Dan attended Franklin-Monroe High School, graduating in 1967. His first foray into the world of work came during his years at Diesel Mechanic School in Nashville, TN, where he juggled studies and a job driving Krispy Kreme donuts.

Dan served his country honorably, receiving both basic and advanced training in communications with the Ohio National Guard at Fort Jackson, SC. His commitment to hard work and mechanical talent was evident in his many roles throughout his life, from working at Greenville Manufacturing's machine shop to serving as a truck dispatcher and maintenance man for JO Berkeley.

His passion for machines and mechanics was not limited to his professional life. He was an accomplished mechanic for the City of Fairborn and a successful dealer of farm machinery. Known for his remarkable ability to repair and maintain a wide array of equipment, Dan was also a school bus mechanic, ensuring the safety of countless young lives. Later in life, Dan was enormously proud to be a subcontractor for Viewrail, the company his son, Len, founded. 

One of Dan's proudest achievements was earning his private pilot license in 1991, which combined his love for machines with an adventurous spirit that always kept him looking towards the horizon.

Dan had a profound connection to the land, visible in his commitment to farming. His first tractor was a Super M, sadly lost in a fire in 1969. He fondly remembered this machine, even as he worked with many others, including his last tractor, a John Deere 620.

Dan is survived by his loving wife of many years, Jill (Jones) Morris. He also leaves behind his brother, Scott Morris. Dan was a proud father to Len Morris (Marci) and April Wallace (Todd), and was deeply loved by his grandchildren, Caleb (Sara), Graham (Noelle), and Ellie Morris. His legacy will continue to grow through his great-grandchildren, Avery, Rylan, Kashton, Peyton, and a fifth on the way, who will continue to hear a wide array of amusing and endearing “Grandpa Dan Stories.”

Dan's life was filled with dedication to his family, his community, and his work. His spirit, love, and lessons live on in those whose lives he touched. The family would like to express their gratitude for the heartfelt condolences and kind words.

Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. on Wed. May 17 at the Kreitzer Funeral Home, 204 N. Main St. Arcanum, OH 45304. A. Graveside service, open to the public, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 18 Mote Cemetery, located on Pitsburg-Laura Rd. northeast of Pitsburg. Condolences may be sent by going online to www.kreitzerfuneralhome.com.