Stanley Wesley Morris “The Rock”, was born on June 18, 1933 in Harvey, Illinois to William I. and Laura Morris. Throughout his life he credited his perseverance in achieving his goals to his loving mother, Laura. On several occasions he recalled her life-teaching and demonstrating strong Christian values to her children, their friends and to all who knew her. This Value System remains embedded in all her progeny. Stanley lived all except the last twelve years of his life in Harvey. He attended McKinley Elementary and Thornton High Schools where he excelled in basketball, football, and baseball. He also maintained high academic standards, graduating in June of 1951. After graduation, he worked for a short while at Maremont Automotive Products before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1952. He spent 4 years in Active Duty and 4 years in the Reserves. Having completed his military obligation, he received an Honorable Discharge and returned to Harvey in 1960. Subsequently, he married Frances Brawner, a young woman he had known since childhood. In 1972, their 12-year union ended in divorce. In May of 1961, after placing high on the Civil Service Exam, Stanley was selected as the first black man to join Harvey Police Department; his entry-level position as Motorcycle Patrol Officer. Although admired by black and white Harvey citizens for his outstanding, athletic, academic, and leadership skills, he was often plagued by racial slurs, discrimination and attempted intimidation both internally as well as externally. However, he confided that with encouragement from his then wife Fran and his mother, Laura, he persevered. He stayed with the Department; completing requirements and achieving ranks of Sargeant, Lieutenant, Deputy Chief, and finally the appointment to Chief of Harvey’s Police Department! He had again persevered to achieve his goal. He expressed his one regret to be his mother’s demise prior to this ultimate achievement. Among his social affiliations, Stanley was a member of NOBLE (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives). He attended annual meetings in cities of states across America to share camaraderie with professional peers. He also maintained membership in the South Suburban Police Officers Association. After serving over 25 years on the Police Force, Stanley retired in May of 1987. He kept active as an Income Tax Constultant. Later, and with the help of family members, he owned/operated a restaurant housed in the local bowling alley. After a time, these entrepreneurial pursuits became too restrictive for him to engage his hobbies-golf, bowling, traveling, attending sporting events, and spending quality time with his family. He completely retired from the work world.

Stanley met Madeline in January of 1995 while she was in Harvey visiting relatives. Their initial attraction blossomed into a very happy fulfilling relationship; they married in Battle Creek on March 8, 2002.

Predeceasing Stanley were his parents; brothers, William II and Earl Morris; sister, Thelma Demonbreun; sister-in-law, Anna Morris; first wife, Frances; nephews, Kim Purnell and Robin Stepp.

He leaves in mourning his wife, Madeline; son, Richard (Lois) Armor; daughter, Patt Armor; their mother, Martha; step-daughter, Victoria Pratti; step-son, Brian Campbell; granddaughters, Andrea Armor, Sinyah Armor; grandson, Xavier Armor; step-grandson, Dominic Pratti; first generation nieces and nephews, Gail (Purnell) Nutt, Renee Stepp, Marcel (Darryl) Fingers, Kathy Wright, Rita Fortinberry, Meryl Morris, Lora Morris, Phaeon Clewis, Douglas Morris, Justin Morris, Anthony Morris, Ronald Morris, Paul Morris, a host of 2nd and 3rd generation nieces and nephews; Uncle Earl Brooks and family, cousins, fellow police officers, friends and acquaintances. Our love for you is everlasting, our respect for you is immense and justly deserved – you were always there for each of us – you wrapped your wisdom and wit around us whenever a need presented. You are our “Rock”. –Your Family

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