Galen Eugene Morris was born on November 17, 1950 in Osceola, Iowa and passed away on August 17, 2023 at home. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 29 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola.

Galen grew up on the family farm, near New Virginia, and enjoyed farm life.  He was active in 4-H and raised calves to show at the county fair.  His favorite was a large Hereford named Sampson, who was sometimes unruly.  When he was training Sampson for the fair, Galen decided that if he rode him, the calf would settle down.  At the fair that year, Galen sat on him while waiting to get into the show ring, later he went to sleep in the stall with him.   Everyone was worried that the calf would hurt him, but instead he just let Galen sleep next to him for a couple of hours and never moved!

When Galen was in Jr. High and High School, he loved to go hunting with his friends.  Another favorite activity was sports.  He played Baseball, Football, Basketball and ran in Track events.  He still holds some track records at the Interstate 35 High School.

In his Junior year of High School, Galen decided he wanted to go to West Point Academy.  He got the appointment and following graduation from Interstate 35, Galen headed to West Point.   His family was very proud of him and looked forward to hearing from him.

Galen graduated in 1973 from the Academy with a Bachelor's degree and started a long and successful career in the Army. He went on to get two Master's degrees. The first was from Iowa State in Ames, in Civil Engineering.  The second one was from the Pentagon, in Logistics.

Galen traveled to all 7 continents during his career, but his all-time favorite tour was in Antarctica, where he served 3 different years.  He really enjoyed the penguins and all their antics.

He married Jeri Cotten on April 17 of 1987 and they continued to travel the world.  Jeri's daughter Stacy joined them in the Morris family circle.

When Jeremy and Josh came along, they got to spend time with Mom and Dad in the Netherlands, with Stacy joining them in the summer, and traveled to several countries while they were there.

His last tour was in Georgia, where he retired as a Full Colonel in 2003.

He came back to rural Warren County to build a house for his family in 2004. His family joined him here in 2005.

Galen was proud of his house and yard and loved to keep the yard and trees looking in great shape.

His family was his pride and joy. Galen and Josh went to West Point this past spring for the 50th reunion of his graduating class.  He was so excited to see all of his West Point buddies, and introduced them to Josh. Galen said it was the best vacation he ever had!

He enjoyed watching Iowa State and KC Chiefs play football and cheering them on.

Galen loved to work in the yard and enjoyed having family and friends over for bonfires. Friends were always excited to hear him tell stories about his military life. In the last 4 years, he has enjoyed having coffee with his neighbors and friends every Wednesday.

Galen is survived by wife Jeri; sons Jeremy and Josh; step-daughter Stacy Chaney; grandchildren, Trey Cotten, Trevor and Tristen Chaney, Brandon Morris, Millie Morris and Clara Morris; brother Gary (Audrey); sister Marilyn (Richard); 2 nieces, 3 nephews and many great nieces and nephews and one aunt Harriett Herold.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Mildred; nephew Ryan; and many aunts and uncles.

Galen was loved by his family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, August 28 at Overton Funeral Home where family will be present to greet friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the New Virginia American Legion post # 281.