DON H. MORRISON
Don H. Morrison, age 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, at TruCare Living Center in Columbus. Don was born on Aug. 18, 1931, in Luling to R. L. Morrison and Irma (Owen) Morrison. During his life, he lived in Corpus Christi, The Masonic Children’s Home in Fort Worth, San Diego, Blanco, Houston and his last 51 years were happily spent in Columbus.
After graduating from Blanco High School in 1949, Don attended Texas A&M University where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial education and graduated in 1954 with a Master of Education degree in industrial education.
Fulfilling his military commitment, Don was commissioned in the Air Force, serving his two-year contract before being honorably discharged in May 1956 with the rank of first lieutenant. During his contract, he was stationed in Denver, Colorado, and later in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Don married his high school sweetheart, Charlene Moellenberg, on May 27, 1951, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blanco. In 1962, they welcomed a daughter, Linda, who was a blessing to his life.
Don’s work career was primarily centered on the automotive industry. He worked for International Harvester Co. as a heavytruck engineer and later Tenneco in the motor-vehicle purchasing department. In 1971, Don fulfilled his dream of owning an automobile dealership when he purchased Meyer Motor Co. in Columbus from H.P. Meyer.
The dealership at that time was located in the Stafford Opera House. The dealership was renamed Don Morrison Ford Inc. and sold Ford and Mercury brand automobiles (along with Chrysler, Plymouth and Dodge vehicles for a few years).
Don sold the dealership in 1994.
Don also owned Angleton Ford-Mercury Inc. from 1981-1990 and La Grange Ford Lincoln-Mercury Inc. from 1976-1989, then giving the dealership to his daughter to own/operate until 2001.
While the dealerships did not allow for much spare time, Don enjoyed league bowling, watching Aggie athletics, viewing Indy Car racing and spending time at Lake LBJ boating and jet skiing.
He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus, The American Legion Post 383, the Caledonia Masonic Lodge and the Colorado County German Society. He was a past member of the Columbus Rotary Club and the Columbus Community Hospital Board at the time the original hospital was built.
Don is survived by his wife of 71 years, Charlene; and his daughter, Linda Morrison, and her fiance’, Paul Mikula, of La Grange. Other survivors include nieces Diane Bader (Hood), Ann Hopkins (Wyman) and Mandy Robinson; nephews Ron Moellenberg (Susan) and Jerry Moellenberg (Diane).
Don is also survived by numerous great-nieces and nephews, cousins and dear young friend, Taylor Morrow. He is also survived by the many treasured friends who have been a part of his life and by his Ford dealer friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, O.B. Hill; in-laws, Emil and Annie Moellenberg; brothers-in-law, Emmett Moellenberg and Alois Moellenberg (Mavis); and dear family friends, John and Emma Hignite.
Pallbearers include Michael Corker, Dwight Mazac, Mark Moellenberg, Tim Moellenberg, Jerry Owen, Curtiss Schonenberg and Carlo Triolo.
Visitation was 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus. Burial will be 3 p.m. at Rutersville Cemetery in Rutersville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 201 Veterans Drive, Columbus, TX, 78934 or a charity of choice.
Condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.