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Donald Joseph Morris passed away at home, in the presence of his wife and children, on September 10, 2026. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska on December 20th, 1946, and was one of five children. He moved to Minnesota for college in the 1960’s and began his journey as a family practitioner in Winona, Minnesota. He worked in rural medicine in Lewiston, MN for decades before settling in Grand Harbor in Vero Beach, FL. He served patients until he retired. Don is remembered for his quick humor and for seeing patients even when they could not afford services, and for his quiet humility and all his good deeds that went unspoken.
An avid nature photographer all his adult life, Don could capture the perfect moment after a snowfall, fresh dew on a succulent, or the shadows of a lily. He learned to sail in his 40’s and loved to adventure on his boats the Xanadu or Talisker, whether on Lake Pepin (MN), in the Caribbean, or along the Florida Coast. A butterfly and orchid whisperer, Don started a community garden in Florida, which the Audubon Society recognized as a critical natural habitat.
Don relished his quiet moments at home with his wife, Pauline (Hill) Morris, doing puzzles, reading, birdwatching, following tennis, and keeping up with his nine grandchildren. He is survived by his wife and his two children, Nathan (Kim) and Emily Morris (Rafael); grandchildren, Ella, Rory, Evan, Adam, and Lucía; his stepchildren, Adela (Wade) and Zöe (Jason); grandchildren, Eric, Adam, Brinley, and Beckett; sisters, Mary, Susan, and Ann; nieces and nephews, Jeff, Kathy, and Sara. He was predeceased by his brother, Jerry. In honor of his skills as a caregiver and grandfather, he had two songs written in his honor – Dr. Don the Bandage Man (1970’s by his brother-in-law) and Grandpa Morris (2026 by granddaughter Lucía) – which his family will continue to play in the years to come.
As someone who never liked a fuss, there will not be a public service. In place of donations or flowers, the family encourages you to give to a local community garden in your neighborhood, or Grand Harbor Audubon Society, in honor of Don’s love of nature and the cycle of life.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2026 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Jeff norton - Nephew
September 12, 2026, 4:07 pm
He was a fantastic uncle. He will be missed but never forgotten. Jeff
Asha Mohamed Ahmed - Emily's colleague and friend
September 13, 2026, 4:35 pm
RIP Donald. May your good deeds follow you in your hereafter life. You will be remembered by those who personally knew you but as well as those of us who read about you. Surely from Him we come and to him we will return.
Adam Noormohamed - From Tanzania
September 13, 2026, 5:46 pm
Dear Emily,
I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May his soul rest in peace, and may you find strength and comfort during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.