Ellis Warren Morris

November 12, 1929 – September 3, 2012

Ellis Warren Morris grew up with his six brothers and sisters in West Texas in not always the best of circumstances.  Money was beyond tight and the family often had to rely on the generosity of others to survive.  In fact, times got so bad that Ellis had to drop out of school to go work to help support the family.

Ellis’ life was defined by his childhood, in turn creating his strong work ethic. He was introduced to his future career during one of his first jobs as a delivery boy for a Trippe Dental Laboratory.  Close to the end of the Korean War, Ellis was drafted and decided to join the Air Force, during which time he became a dental laboratory technician.  While completing his technician training, Ellis was also able to finish his GED.

The job he learned in the Air Force became a career that lasted over 53 years! He was co-owner of Morris & Anderson Dental Laboratory in Lubbock until 1970, when he moved to Pasadena, Texas and opened E.W. Morris Laboratory. Ellis became one of the most respected Certified Dental Technicians in the country, restoring the smiles of over 200,000 people.  He served on numerous state and national dental laboratory committees and was President of the Dental Laboratory Association of Texas in 1968.

Ellis also installed his work ethic in his two children, Brenda and Charlotte.  After college, Brenda followed him into the family dental laboratory and served as President of the Dental Laboratory Association of Texas in 2009. Charlotte also owns a successful family business in Bryan, TX.

Ellis’ life is also defined by his family. In addition to being “Daddy” to Brenda and Charlotte, he was “Brother” to Kathryn, Dale, Norman, Barbara, Zoe and Marilyn.  He proudly wore the title of “Grandpa” or “Paw Paw” to his 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  He was dearly loved by them and will be greatly missed.

While Ellis was probably best known for his profession, those close to him knew him for his big heart and his gift giving.  It gave him great joy to be able to meet the needs of family, friends and even people he didn’t know.