Aubrey Dale Morris, born August 26, 1935, to Clyde and Ophelia Morris in Weatherford, Texas, passed away on April 12, 2024, at the age of 88, surrounded by his loved ones.
Aubrey was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Marilyn Taft, and his five children: Dianna Boggs (Bob), Donna Wolter (Rick), Debbie Peterson (Kirk), David Morris, and Danny Morris (Anitra). He is survived by 13 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Ferol Lee Johnston, and Joyce Shay.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sylvia Morris, and his two brothers Chuck Morris and Theron Morris.
He lived at 10701 Magnolia in Anaheim, California during his childhood, which had many good memories for him. Aubrey graduated from Anaheim High School and later attended Long Beach City College. Remarkably, he started his career with the Navy as a civilian at the young age of 17. Aubrey’s mechanical aptitude led him to excel in various roles, from repairing cars to designing and maintaining radar systems on aircraft carriers.
Despite facing adversity, including an accident that resulted in the loss of vision in his left eye, Aubrey’s resilience remained unshakable. His determination propelled him forward in both his personal and professional life.
On June 29, 1956, Aubrey married his childhood sweetheart, Sylvia Van Unen, with whom he shared many years of love and cherished memories. They first settled in Garden Grove, California, where they had a home and 4 of their 5 children.
Aubrey’s career as an electronics engineer at Hughes Aircraft Company was marked by success and innovation. However, in 1970, he made the courageous decision to prioritize his family and resigned to spend more time with his loved ones.
The Morris family then embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Elsinore, California. There, they embraced country living, moving into a brand-new ranch-style house and worked their 40-acre orange grove purchased from Aubrey’s parents. Together, they tended to the grove, creating cherished memories, and strengthening their family bonds. One more child was born after moving to Elsinore to make a total of five! Aubrey had many years of farming citrus, oats, alfalfa, garbanzo beans, watermelon, and more! Always ready for a new adventure he sold the orange grove and went into the dump truck business.
Aubrey made many friendships over the years driving trucks, and of course fixing them! He always had someone coming by the shop asking for help to fix something. Aubrey could fix anything, and he would tell us in his last days that he loved “trouble-shooting”! His mind was always working, he was a thinker.
Aubrey was very dedicated to his community. He belonged the Lions Club, and then the Elks Club where he served a term as the Exalted Ruler. He cooked many dinners and led fundraisers to give scholarships to students in the community. He enjoyed traveling in his motor home and was the “Wagon Master” for the Mixed Nuts Camper Club and American Coach Club for many years.
Aubrey’s legacy of love, resilience, and dedication will forever live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Remembering Aubrey’s life will be held at Lakeside High School, 32593 Riverside Drive, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530.