Matt Morris

Taken from his loved ones too soon, Matt Morris was a blessing to everyone he met. He was a talented athlete who accomplished so much of which to be proud, but he was a humble man who loved nothing more than making those around him smile. Matt was a devoted son, brother, and friend who was a stranger to none and a friend to all. As his family and friends can attest, he was a sports fan if ever there was one, and he was always one to keep busy. Matt was such a goofball, and with his fun loving jokes he certainly brought the world around him to life. Although things will never be the same without him here, he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that will be forever cherished by all who were blessed to know and love him.

The 1980s were an exciting time in American history when we were on the verge of the electronic age. Personal computers were becoming more popular while the camcorder, VCRs, and telephone answering machines made things so much easier in our daily lives. Prime time television made us laugh every night as the antics of the Huxtables, the Keatons, and the Arnold family redefined how we viewed the average American family. It was as this decade was getting started that Thomas Jr. and Diane Morris were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as the heat of the summer held the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan, firmly in its grip in August of 1981. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Matt drew his first breath on August 7th. He was one of three children, and he was joined in his family by his older sister, Angie, and his younger brother, Brock. Although Matt spent his earliest years in Parchment, he moved to Plainwell as a young boy. Both of his parents worked at James River, and although they divorced when Matt was little, they remained close. In 1989, Matt’s mother married Lew, and Matt always considered him a second father.

In many ways, Matt was a young boy of his generation. He attended local schools and played Little League baseball and also wrestled. Always a gifted athlete, Matt even tried karate for awhile. Matt’s high school years found him at Plainwell High School where he wore the #32 jersey as the quarterback of the football team. He went on to graduate from high school in 2000. Matt began working at McDonald’s while he was still in high school, and that continued after he graduated. In 2010, he began working at Meijer in Plainwell.

It was at Meijer that Matt met the woman who proved to be his soul mate. Her name was Kelly Koetsier, and she was to be his trainer. Matt was smitten with her, and he called her every day for three weeks until she finally agreed to go out with him. They had been together ever since. Just this past February, Matt was thrilled to get a job with Gentex.

Throughout his life, Matt was an active guy who had many interests. He loved all sports and could recite all the stats, particularly when it came to his favorite teams: the Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings. Matt never was a basketball fan. He was so proud to have turned a couple of Packers fans into Lions fan, and he even had them wearing Lions jerseys! He loved disc golf and also played on a hockey league in Kalamazoo after high school. Although Matt listened to all kinds of music, country was his favorite. Some of his most memorable trips were to Niagara Falls, Disney World, Graceland in Nashville, and Philly. Matt had a special place in his heart for animals, but he was certainly partial to cats. Over the years he had several cats of his own. At times Matt played some golf, and he also fished every so often. Among his favorite foods were chicken wings, spaghetti, and tacos, and he loved trying out new hot sauces.

All who knew Matt Morris would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. If someone was sad around Matt it didn’t last for long as he went out of his way to make them smile. He also loved to play jokes, but they were never mean, and it has been said that he gave the best hugs. Described as a goofball, Matt was one of the funniest guys around. He was additionally known for his stories, but one never quite knew if he was telling the truth or not! Outgoing, kindhearted, and genuine, he will never be forgotten.

Matt Morris, of Plainwell, died on August 8, 2015, at Spectrum Butterworth in Grand Rapids. Matt’s family includes his parents, Lewis & Diane Boylan and Thomas Morris Jr.; siblings: Angela (Luke McGinnis) Morris of Grand Rapids, Brock Morris of Plainwell; love of his life, Kelly Koetsier; niece and nephews: Kayla Munson, Thomas Munson of Mecosta, and Kyle Morris of Plainwell; best friends, Mike & Melissa Jones as well as several aunts and uncles and cousins and his cat, Blue. Matt was preceded in death by his grandparents: Shirley Morris, Robert & Donna Walker, Irvin & Beverly Boylan, niece, Charlotte; and his favorite cat, Tripod. Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Thursday, August 13 from 4:00-8:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the North Park Reformed Church; 1316 Barney Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49004. Please visit Matt’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to Lewis Boylan for the Monument Fund.