Obituary of Willard O. Morris

Willard O. Morris, 90, of Freehold Township passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2022. He was born in Freehold and was a lifelong resident. His wife, of 56 years, LouAnn Bentz Morris, died in 2011. He was an avid woodworker known for his wooden toys. He was the civil assignment clerk for the County of Monmouth before his retirement. Prior to that he was deputy surrogate in the Monmouth County Surrogate’s Office. Mr. Morris was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Freehold where he served on the Board of Trustees and as church treasurer for over 25 years. He was a charter member of the East Freehold Fire Company, Freehold Township; a member and Past Master of Olive Branch Lodge No. 16, F. & A.M., Freehold; a Past Colonel of the Crescent Shriners; and member of the Freehold Township Lions Club. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, David I. Morris and Nancy S. Morris; a daughter and son-in-law, Debra M. Clayton and Ross H. Clayton; and four grandchildren, Mark W. Morris and his fiancé, Erin Burns, Michael D. Morris, Kimberly Clayton White and husband Alex White, and Jennifer Clayton Golat and husband Brent Golat. The viewing will be held at the First Baptist Church, 81 West Main Street, Freehold on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 from 11 am to 12:30 p.m. followed by funeral services at 12:30 p.m. East Freehold Fire Company services will be held at 12 p.m. The interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery, Freehold. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org, or the First Baptist Church would be appreciated. Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold is in charge of arrangements.