Peter Raymond Morris

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandpa.

Pete was born in The Bronx, N.Y., on June 13th, 1944, and passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on September 9th 2024.

A visitation will be at 10 AM, Monday September 23rd, 2024, at LaGrone Funeral Chapel, with a funeral service to begin at 11AM, followed by a procession to South Park Cemetery.

Growing up back east Pete developed a passion for music, dancing, and fitness, which he maintained until his passing. He listened to his oldies and danced to the very end.

In 1962 Pete came west to New Mexico to attend Eastern New Mexico University in Portales. This is where he met the love of his life, his Barbie, his Barbara Sue, his devoted wife of 57 years. Pete loved Babs more than anything in this world.

While in college Pete joined the gymnastics team where he was the only member able to perform a one arm handstand, the p-bars were his event. Pete did a handstand on the edge of the Grand Canyon and on top of his dorm to impress his Barbie. One winter break he traveled back home across the country on his motorcycle. He would later sell that motorcycle to buy his Barbie a diamond engagement ring. Pete earned his master’s degree and proudly served in the U.S. Army as a tank commander.

Pete’s career can be defined as a devotion to helping others. He helped many at Thycol, The Rehab Center, CYFD, and Counseling Associates. He was also fluent in sign language and helped many in the deaf community. Pete always treated his clients with dignity and respect.

Pete’s passion for fitness led him to become a runner. He competed in many marathons. He once ran with his friend A.B. from the Capitan Mountains to Roswell, stopping at windmills along the way to take a dip and a drink. He and A.B. would also run from the highway to the bottomless lakes, swim across Lea Lake, and run back to the highway.

One of Pete’s greatest joys was his cabin, which he built by hand, out of stone, over fifty years ago. This started his lifelong passion for stonework, which led him to gather ton after ton after ton of stone with which he built many walls at both his cabin and home. His windmill was by far his favorite toy. He would chip the ice off his water tank to take an ice bath. Pete also loved to keep the home fires burning. Just days before his passing he loaded and stacked two full cords of firewood. Pete always provided for his family.

Pete was especially proud that all three of his sons wore number 34 on the Goddard Rocket Varsity Basketball teams. He rarely missed a game and could always be heard chanting “Go Big Blue”.

Pete is survived by his beloved wife Babs, his three sons which were his pride and joy, Taho (Maddy), Mason (Citlally), Mitchell (Liza), and his cherished grandson, Jacob (Savanna). Along with his brothers and sisters, Ed, Loretta, Julie, John, and Michael. Pete is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters in law.

Pete was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ed and Julia, his mother and father in-law, Dick and Marilyn Vogel. His brothers Ken, Chris, and Bob. His special cousin Jeri Lee, and his nephews Brendon Paul, Bradley Paul, and Jim Gregory.

Honorary Pallbearers include David Montano, Kieth Alford, and Jagger Elliot.

“You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church”- Matthew 16:18

We will all miss you dearly, may you rest in peace. We Love You!

 “Don’t forget Uncle Pete loves you.”