Morris F. Engel, 79, longtime resident of Latimer, died Friday, August 1st, 2014, at the Valley View Professional Care Center in Junction City. He was born on January 7, 1935, at the Herington Hospital, the son of Louis F. and Margaret A. (Christman) Engel.
Graveside Service will be held at 11:00am, Monday, August 4th, 2014, at the St. John’s Cemetery, west of White City, with Rev. Stan Norman officiating; burial with Military Honors.
Morris enjoyed farming until his health began to fail in 2004. He served in the U.S. Army as a Corporal, from 1957 until 1959.
Morris enjoyed helping others many times putting their needs ahead of his. This started at a young age when he ended his education early in order to help his dad farm to help provide for the family. Morris was said to be the “Best Big Brother” he would do anything for you. Morris would help his Latimer neighbors plow their gardens and clear snow from their drives.
Farming was his life, working the ground, milking cows, and raising cattle. He was most content when he was operating his RED tractor. The only time Morris spent away from the farm and family was when he was drafted in the Army in 1957. He was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He returned to the farm as soon as his service was completed.
When Morris wasn’t farming he enjoyed spending time with family and the taste of a good cheeseburger and fries. Morris farmed until a stroke affected his ability to do the physical work in 2004. He was very happy to know his love for the land and farming would continue through his son Larry. Morris would offer his guidance and words of wisdom during his final years.
Married Janice A. Haas, on April 7, 1957, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Ramona; she preceded in death on September 29, 2012. He is also preceded in death by two (2) sisters: Eunice Eudene Herpich, and an infant sister Marjory Mae Engel; and an infant brother Kenton Engel.
He is survived by two (2) sons: Lyle Engel (wife-Kim) and Larry Engel (wife-Dawn both of Herington, a daughter Nancy Holt (husband-Curtis) of Wichita; four (4) sisters: Elaine Guimond & Linda Fitzgerald both of White City, Joan Hickey of Abilene, & Nora Shippy of Woodbine; and three (3) brothers: Louis Jr. Engel of Silver Lake, NY, Leland Engel and Jim Engel both of White City. Survived by nine (9) grandchildren: Rocky (Tamsy) Engel, & Dakota of Herington; Randy (Brittney) Engel, & Dayna Wilmore of White City; Jathon, Jonathon, & Aubrie Engel of Council Grove; and Luke and Shelby Holt of Wichita. He is also survived by many nieces & nephews, and a host of friends.
Memorials to the St. John’s Cemetery Fund of the White City Fire Department Fund; and they may be sent in care of the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home & Crematory, Herington Chapel, 404 S. Broadway, Herington, KS, 67449-3038.