Henry A. (Bus) Morris passed peacefully late on November 14, 2019–just in time to join his wife, Charlee, in celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary on the 15th.
Bus was born at the home place (located about 18 miles west of Newcastle, Wyoming) on August 8, 1928 to Ben and Edna Morris. He was the eldest of eight children. From childhood, he was known as Buster, which was eventually shortened to Bus by his eighth grade teacher. It was an easy way to determine whether the speaker truly knew him. If they called him “Henry”, they did not.
Bus lived a life that was a reflection of his beginnings. He was always humble and always willing to pitch in to do whatever needed to be done. Bus was a quiet man, although once a conversation was going, he was a delightful participant. His family and friends are most thankful for his book, “They Called Me Buster”, because he shared his recollections of his life. Typical of him, rather than pride in his book, his favorite part was the memories it stimulated others to share. He truly saw many changes in the world during his lifetime. He shared his perspective on that history which would have been lost were it not for his book.
Bus was valedictorian of his high school class in Newcastle in 1946. Although he had a 4 year scholarship to the University of Wyoming, he went back home to help put the younger kids through school because of his father’s poor health. He enrolled in the Billings Business College in 1951, attended for a year, and completed the two year course.
In June 1952, Bus was drafted into the Army. Prior to being stationed in Berlin, he returned on leave to marry Charlee Pitchford in Roundup. He told her to pick a day in November for the wedding although he wasn’t certain when he would be back. She picked the 15th and he made it back for the wedding. After being discharged from the Army, he worked in Billings briefly although he never liked the bigger city.
In January 1959, they moved to Miles City and Bus went to work for L.P. Anderson–first for Great Northern Drilling Co. and then for L.P. Anderson Contractor. L.P.’s was like a home away from home and, to the end of his days, he loved to talk about those times. Officially, he was the bookkeeper; however, if anything needed done, he was willing to take on the task. L.P. sold the corporation in 1982 and Bus was one of the shareholders that bought it. At that time, they moved to Glendive. He continued working there until he retired.
Bus was a brave man although he really didn’t know it. In 1962, he had an encounter with a lawn mower that cost him half of the four fingers on his left hand. He drove himself to the hospital and only missed two days of work. The only real concession he made was to use a manual typewriter for the rest of his life.
Charlee passed away at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home (EMVH) in Glendive on August 7, 2010 after a period of ill health. Bus put in countless hours volunteering at EMVH, both before and after her passing, and received recognition for that service in 2013. He also served on the Foundation which he took very seriously and enjoyed. Bus considered the people there to be family and not just friends. He treasured his friendships with them, including the special friendship he had with Lu Prescott after Charlee passed away.
Bus was proud of his military service and of being a lifetime member of the VFW.
Bus was truly a man that walked the walk instead of just talking the talk. He will be missed.
Bus is survived by his beloved, Ernie (Cocker Spaniel); two daughters, Sue Renfro (Jim) of Exeter, CA and Karen of Miles City; five siblings, Helen Knipp of Osage, WY, Bill (Peggy) of Newcastle, WY, Ben (Vina) of Newcastle, WY, Bob/Lee of Wickenburg, AZ, and Joyce (Mickey) Hammell of Evansville, WY; as well as a large extended family comprised of relatives and friends.
Bus was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Edna, two brothers, Jim and Dick, and his wife, Charlee.
Memorials may be made to the Range Riders Museum in Miles City, MT, the Frontier Gateway Museum in Glendive, MT, or to the charity of one’s choice.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, December 2, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City with full military honors. Please dress casually in respect of the values and preferences Bus had in life. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Monday December 2, 2019
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Monday December 2, 2019
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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,June Opp says
Karen and Suann,We are so very sorry to sre where your daddy passed away.Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.We have many fond memories of both of your parents when they were living in Miles Ciry.May God bless and comfort you all during this difficult time and the days ahead.
Love Ruben and June Opp
Peggy and Earl says
Dear Karen,
Earl and I want you to know that you are, and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love lives on in sweet memories, and in the knowledge that your Dad will always be a loving presence in your life. May that presence comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Our Dads loved to get together and talk about the “good old days.” Oh, the stories they could tell! Those conversations should have been recorded. They were a good history lesson, that is for sure.
Kay Carlson says
Dear Karen,
I know you loved your dad so much and took such good care of him. I know he will always stay close in your heart. Sending you a big hug and wishing I could be there for you.
Kay
Tyler Pust says
Karen
Sorry about your loss of your Dad.
Becky Tipton says
Bus ‘ Family I’m so sorry for your loss. I met your Dad through the Vets Home here in Glendive what an amazing and caring man! He will be missed by many. RIP Bus
Becky ( Chouinard) Tipton
Shirley Carnes says
Uncle Bus, you were a person who could light up a room with your laugh and you were always on the run, until you would get so tired you had to take a quick rest. Always willing to help other people. May you rest in God’s arms and with Charlee. Shirley (Knipp) Carnes
Marilynn Anderson says
I was sorry to hear that Bus passed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss.
Bus was a wonderful man and our family is truly grateful for all years that he worked at L.P’s. Bus was truly the calming influence of the business, and for all the years that I knew him, I never heard him say a swear word. Believe me there were lots of four letter words flying around in that building. Bus will be missed.
Tom and Cindy Erickson says
Karen and family – We are so sorry to hear about your dad! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kriss Erickson says
Karen, I would like to offer my condolences on the passing of your father. I know he meant the world to you.
Louise says
Karen, my condolences for the loss of your father. Peace to you all.
Fern Morris says
Sue and Karen,
Just want you to know I’m thinking of you. Uncle Bus will definitely be missed.
Josephine Meidinger says
Karen:
So sorry to hear about your father.
Sandra Lemelin and Family says
Hello my friends, Your parents were a very important part of my childhood. I have so many wonderful memories. We made bunny cakes, went on camping trips, introduced me to gardening. Your parents were special people. I am thinking of you both and wishing you peace.
From the Family of Kasper Glaser says
We are very sad to hear of Bus’s passing. Our family has wonderful memories of Bus and know he will be greatly missed. Bus was such a light in our lives when we came to visit our dad at the Veteran’s home. We remember the wonderful times we had when we would join our dad, Bus and his wife Charlee at “their” table for meals at the Veteran’s home. Even after Charlee passed away, Bus was there and continued to eat his meals with dad. We are forever grateful for all the love and support Bus showed us and we know dad looked forward to his visits every day. We send our love and comfort to Bus’s family and know your dad made a difference.
Michael Mangen says
So very sorry for your loss, he was a good man.
Mike Mangen