MURPHYSBORO - Thomas Edward Morris, 73, of Murphysboro, passed away at 2:20 pm, Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at the St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro surrounded by his family. Thomas was born in Ava, IL on September 19, 1938, the son of Luther and Mary Holliday Morris. He worked his early years as a farmer for Frischkorn Farms and later at Koppers Tye Plant. He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Murphysboro. Thomas enjoyed fishing, camping, reading, mowing and spending time with his family. He will be sadly missed by all. Thomas is survived by five children, Maretta (Terry) Ellison of Pittsburg, IL, Debra (Bill) Godbey of Marion, IL, Jeff (Margaret) Morris of West Frankfort, IL, Rhonda (Paul) Bowles of Marion, IL and Kelly (Tom) Gooden of Pittsburg, IL; his partner of 25 years, Mary Varner and her children, Laura Varner and Shorty Kelley and Diana (Keith) Keipp all of Murphysboro; 21 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; and three sisters, Nellie (Eugene) Ellis of Pomona, IL, Cindy Murray of Murphysboro and Della (Gene) Martin of Murphysboro. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; one half brother; three sisters; one niece and one grandson, Ryan Rendleman. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, September 15, 2012 at the Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava, with Rev. Chris Hammonds officiating. Burial will follow in Ava Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call from 5 to 8 pm Friday and on Saturday from 7:30 am until the hour of service. Memorials may be given to a charity of the family's choice.