Isaac Martin "Marty" Morris

Isaac Martin “Marty” Morris, 65, passed away at 11:48 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2014, at Memorial Medical Center, following a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born March 2, 1949, in Lake City, Iowa, to Rose Marie Hohmann Russell and John Henry Morris. Both parents and his stepfather Charles L. Russell preceded him in death.

He graduated from Our Saviour’s Grade School and Routt High School, Jacksonville, IL, and studied for one year at the Diocesan Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, Springfield. He graduated from MacMurray College in 1972, and in 1974 received a Master’s Degree from Butler University in Cooperation with Christian Theological Seminary (CTS), Indianapolis, IN. He studied for a year in the Masters of Divinity Program, where he served as teaching assistant to the Church History Department at CTS.

In 2008, Marty retired from the State of Illinois after thirty years split between the Illinois Department of Insurance and the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan. While at the Department of Insurance, he served two years as President of the National Association of HMO Regulators (NAHMOR).

Marty taught as an adjunct instructor at Lincoln Land Community College for more than 30 years, and also taught classes for Richland Community College, the College of St. Francis, and the Illinois Humanities Council. After retiring from the state, he developed the online Philosophy courses for Lincoln Land and taught those courses until illness forced him to retire. In 2009, he was the recipient of the Outstanding Adjunct of the Year Award at Lincoln Land.

He was the author of two novels: The Absence of Goodness and Along the River Road. He also wrote book reviews for the State Journal-Register and, until recently, was a community blogger for the SJ-R addressing culture and books. He enjoyed fishing and traveling, particularly to the New Orleans area.
Marty was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church where he served on various committees and frequently gave the homily and led the congregation at weekend services.
Marty was a very loving and supportive husband and father and a loyal friend. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Carol of Springfield; daughter, Kristen (Todd) Irving, Springfield; daughter, Jennifer Pacha, Springfield; son, Isaac Martin Morris, Jr. (Mayuko), Fort Worth, TX; and daughter, Ashley E. (Jim) Streck, Pleasant Plains. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Siegle, Springfield; eight grandchildren, Kailey and Kristopher Kramer, Evan, Ean and Erik Irving, Carter and Dominic Streck and Mina Morris; 2 great grandchildren, Alexander and Maddox Kramer. Brother-in-law, Robert Riley; Nephew, Michael (Amanda) Riley; Niece, Meghan Riley, and great niece, Caitlin Riley, all of Buffalo Grove.

Visitation: 4-7 p.m., Thursday, June 26, 2014, at Grace Lutheran Church, 714 E. Capitol, Springfield.

Lie-in-State: 10-11 am Friday, June 27, 2014 at Grace Lutheran Church

Funeral Service: 11 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2014 at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Thomas B. Christell, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church Food Pantry or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.