William Robert Morris was born on October 16,1958, in Columbus, Ohio. His parents were William Thomas Morris and Miriam Lemp Morris. He has two sisters, Christine and Anne. In 1986, Will married the love of his life, Jane Anderson. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on June 21, 2026.

Will grew up in Columbus and graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1976. He attended Indiana University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Geology. He was planning on a career in scientific research. When he took his first job with the National Park Service at Grand Canyon, he fell in love with the work and spent 25 years as an Interpretive Ranger and Supervisor. Will served at Grand Canyon, Denali, Everglades, The National Capitol Mall and Mesa Verde National Parks.

Will was deeply committed to caring for and protecting public lands and all of Creation. He supported a wide variety of conservation organizations.

Will and Jane adopted William Zachariah Morris in 1994, at which point both Will and Jane became addicted to coffee with a baby in the house! Will enjoyed introducing Zach to the natural world through fishing, hiking, camping and birdwatching.

Will attended Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., graduating in 2006 with a Master of Divinity degree. In 2009, he was ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church. He served Faith United Methodist Church in Virginia, Burns Memorial United Methodist Church in Aurora, CO, and First United Methodist Church in Cortez, CO.

Will and Jane retired in Cortez in 2021. They thoroughly enjoyed the Four Corners area and regularly hiked and explored in many different locations.

William R. Morris is survived by his wife, Jane Anderson, his son William Zachariah Morris, daughter-in-law Stacey Morris, granddaughter Rosalie Morris, and his sisters Anne (John) Mountford and Chris (Mike) Huber. Will maintained friendship with friends and former co-workers all over the country. He will be missed by many people.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Cortez, Colorado (515 N. Park Street) A lunch reception will follow with the meal provided by Beny’s Diner, one of Will’s favorite restaurants.

Expressions of care can be sent to Jane Anderson and Zach Morris, 11822 Road 28.3 Cortez, CO 81323.

Memorial gifts can be made to the Glioblastoma Research Organization. www.gbmresearch.org