AARON BERNICE MORRISON, 95 ½

Aaron Bernice Morrison, 95 ½, of Gainesville, MO, passed away on July 15, 2013 at the Gainesville Healthcare Center surrounded by family and several caring and compassionate G.H.C.C. employees. "A.B." or "Bernice" was born on December 25, 1917, near Gainesville, the youngest of ten children to W.J. "Joe" and Linnie Lou "Rady" (Upton) Morrison.

He worked as a heavy equipment operator, auctioneer, and for 30 years with the Missouri Department of Conservation. He grew up in what is now the Caney Mountain Conservation Area. After the Missouri Department of Conservation acquired the land and began a program to reintroduce wild turkeys and deer to southern Missouri, Mr. Morrison and his father were instrumental in making that program a success. He worked with the conservation department throughout most of his adult life, and retired to a home at the foot of Caney Mountain that he shared with his wife, Velda. He enjoyed visiting and getting acquainted with anyone he came in contact with.

He is survived by one son, Leroy Morrison and wife Norma of Gainesville; two grandchildren, James and Rita; three great grandchildren, Michael, Casey and Serenity; also by many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors of the highest caliber.

He was preceded in death by his parents; all of his brothers, sisters and their spouses; and especially by his wife of 73 years, Velda Morrison on September 12, 2012. He and Velda will be greatly missed!

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at the Smith Chapel Church of Christ with Vic Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Smith Chapel Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Smith Chapel Cemetery, or to Fair Haven Children's Home. On line condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.