Robert Lewis Morris, 95, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on January 26, 2026, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Mishawaka, Indiana, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family. A devoted pastor, biblical scholar, professor, and church leader, he faithfully served Christ and the church for many decades.

Born on August 27, 1930, in San Diego, California, Robert grew up in rural Granger, Washington. As a child, after his mother Helene married Keith Morris, Keith adopted Robert and his brother Gordon, a gift of family and name that shaped his life. A sister, Karol, was later born to the family. On June 10, 1951, Robert was united in marriage to Marjorie Mae Kliever in Dallas, Oregon.

While a student at Seattle Pacific College, Robert answered God’s call to ministry, giving himself wholeheartedly to the work of the gospel. He served in pastoral ministry for 24 years in Maupin, Eugene, and Portland, Oregon, as well as Spokane, Washington, shepherding congregations with a deep love for Scripture, preaching, and people. Later in life, he served as Conference Superintendent for the North Central Conference of the Evangelical Church, guiding pastors and churches with wisdom, humility, and steady grace. He also lived out his passion for teaching as a professor at Vennard College in University Park, Iowa, and Bethel University in Mishawaka, Indiana, where he invested in the next generation of Christian leaders. His time at Vennard also included serving in the role of Academic Dean. Woven throughout his life of ministry and teaching was the pursuit of higher education, earning both master’s and doctoral degrees.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and by his beloved wife of more than 65 years, Marjorie Morris, who passed away on September 15, 2016. Their marriage was a lasting testimony of faithfulness, partnership in ministry, and shared devotion to Christ.

He is survived by his two siblings, Gordon Morris and Karol Cahan (Dick), and his five children: Christy Engbrecht (David), Gordon Morris, Greg Morris (Kathy), Jeff Morris (Terri), and Julie Secor (Mark). He also leaves a rich legacy of love and faith in his nine grandchildren (and their spouses) and fourteen great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a part of his story and influence forward.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Rotunda of the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center of Bethel University, 1001 Bethel Cir, Mishawaka, IN 46545, where the family will be present to greet friends. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. The service will be conducted by the family. A private burial will take place at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions can be directed toward Bethel University Robert Morris Pastoral Scholarship Fund, make checks payable to Bethel University.

In the spirit of the words so many have shared, we rejoice that he now hears, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”