SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Thomas M. Morris, 74, of Hurley, Wis., died on Oct. 24, 2013, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.
He was born in Hurley on Oct. 13, 1939, the son of Thomas Marion and Helen (Rowe) Morris. He graduated from Hurley High School in 1957.
Thomas joined the United States Coast Guard in 1957 and served for 10 years as an electronics technician, earning the Coast Guard Commendation Medal and Ribbon for a rescue mission. He then entered civil service, working for the Central Intelligence Agency for 22 years, traveling all over the world.
Thomas married Jane Francis Cimarosti, of Hurley, on Feb. 8, 1964. Together they had six children. She preceded him in death on July 31, 1988.
He retired in Hurley where he was active in the community, serving as commander of American Legion Post 58 for a number of years, and was also involved in the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hurley Senior Center. His world travels taught him the wonders of fine food, and he became an avid chef, creating gourmet dishes for special occasions in town. He prided himself in the fact that he was a lifetime member of the International Cooking Club.
Thomas is survived by two daughters and four sons, Jeanne Marie (Christian), Thomas Marion III, Timothy Michael, Jodi Lynn (Lindamood), Todd Matthew and Michael (from a later marriage.) He is also survived by his sister, Ginny (Ruppe); 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four nieces and one nephew.
His daughter, Julie Ann (Dees), preceded him in death on July 15, 2001.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, with the Rev. Frank Kordek OFM, celebrant.
Rite of Committal and interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Hurley, where full military honors will be accorded by the combined Hurley American Legion Post 58 and Iron County VFW 1580 Honor Guard.
To sign his guestbook or to leave a condolence message, visit swemchapel.com.