Richard Dewitt Morrison

Richard (Dick) Dewitt Morrison passed away on February 18, 2016 while vacationing in his beloved home state of New Mexico. He was 71 years old. Richard was born on February 7, 1945 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to his parents Vern and Goldie Morrison. He remembers a joyful childhood on the family farm south of Albuquerque with his parents, his older brother Ron, and younger twin sisters, Janice and Janet. The family members were all lifelong outdoor enthusiasts. He had many memories of riding horses, taking care of the farm animals, and family hunting and fishing trips. They spent many enjoyable hours together in the mountains and lakes of New Mexico. His daughters remember many deer hunting trips into the Gila Mountains and many camping/fishing trips to Lake Roberts. After his high school graduation from Rio Grande High School, Dick attended the University of New Mexico for one year then joined the United States Marine Corps. He was proud of his completion of Jump School and the designation of "Airborne" as part of his military service. He enrolled at New Mexico State University and finished his BBA and MBA while completing his military service in the Marine Corps Reserves. Following the completion of his education and the completion of his Marine Corp Reserve commitment, he was selected to attend Officer Training School with the United States Army and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. He remained a part of the U.S. Army Reserves for many years and was Commander of the Reserve Unit in Lordsburg, New Mexico with the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Jones, on July 1, 1967. In 1972, they moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, where Richard began his teaching career. He taught business courses and coached the golf team at the National College of Business. In 1974, he accepted the position of Associate Director of Housing at New Mexico State University. From 1980-1985, he was a Management Consultant with Century 21 of the Southwest. While in this position, he completed training for his Private Pilot's license which allowed him to fly to various real estate offices in New Mexico, Texas, and Nevada. For five years, he co-owned Century 21, Theodorson Agency. From 1985-2000, he taught real estate and business courses at Dona Ana Community College in Las Cruces and achieved the rank of full Professor before his retirement in 2000. Richard was a proud member of the Sunrise Lions Club for many years and served as Lions Club President. He received the honor of Realtor of the Year from the Las Cruces Board of Realtors. He felt that his greatest accomplishment in life was in being an excellent and delightful father to his daughters, Shana and Cyndi. Following his retirement from DACC, he and Barbara spent five enjoyable summers as Forest Service Volunteers in Ruidoso, New Mexico. There were hosts at Bonito Lake Campground and at Cedar Creek Picnic Area and developed many friendships. In 2011, Richard and Barbara moved to Wylie, Texas to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Ron, and his sister, Janice. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Barbara, and his daughters Shana and Cyndi along with their husbands and children. He is also survived by his sister, Janet Morrison, sister-in-law Patti Morrison, and several nieces and nephew. Celebration of life services will be held Monday, February 22, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Morning Star Methodist Church, 2941 Morning Star Drive, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011. Memorial services will also be held at a later date in Wylie, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to the American Heart Association. PDF Printable Version