Morris Joseph, son of Joseph and Esther Holdeman was born in McPherson county, Kansas, near Moundridge, Aug. 17, 1921; and died at 10:15 P. M., March 11, 1942, in the Halstead hospital, Halstead, Kansas, as a result of a fractured skull and concussion of the brain received in an automobile accident last Sunday evening. He reached the age of 20 years, 6 months and 22 days. In the year of 1935 he with his family moved from near Moundridge to the present farm near Halstead, where he received the greater part of his education and grew to young manhood, graduating from the Halstead high school May 22, 1941. While but a tender youth Morris gave his heart to Jesus and was baptized in the Lonetree Mennonite Church house, March 24, 1934. Morris had many ups and downs in his short life and many spiritual battles, winning some and losing others. He was a goodly child beloved of his parents and especially near to his mother, he being always a great help in the home, cooking, and caring for the home, since he had no sister to help his mother. He possessed a pleasing personality winning and holding many friends wherever he went. A smile and kindness was a trait of his at home as well as toward those he came in contact with elsewhere, even though he would wander from the kingdom of God. With deep concern and much prayer we commit him into the hand of an all-wise, just and loving God. Our prayer is to so walk and live before our God as to be ready when our call comes.
While Morris, accompanied by several companions, was driving north on the Halstead-Moundridge road only a short distance north of highway 50S, his car collided with an oncoming car resulting in a very serious accident. Morris, however, was the only one fatally injured. He was taken by ambulance to the Halstead hospital where everything possible was done to spare his life, or if only to regain consciousness, but with all that medical science could do and many prayers, he, in an unconscious state, quietly passed away to his reward.
He leaves to mourn his early departure, his sorrowing mother and father, six brothers, Percy with his wife LaDeen, Lacy, Wilbur, Harlin, Willis Dee, and Kenneth, a number of uncles and aunts and many other relatives and a host of friends. A sister - Twila Katherine preceded him.
