Home > United States of America > Nebraska > Kearney County > Minden > Minden Cemetery > William Dale Morris

William Dale Morris

Birth	:	18 Nov 1915 USA
Death	:	29 Apr 1962 Nebraska, USA
Burial	:	Minden Cemetery, Minden, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate	:	40.4950400, -98.9619900
Description	:	Kearney County News Minden, Nebraska Monday April 30, 1962 [Top of front page] PLANE WRECK CLAIMS LIVES OF 4 _____________________________ The Victims. . . . [photo] DALE MORRIS receiving "Boss" award The tragedy which struck the Morris family Sunday has been described by residents as "the most tragic thing that has ever happened here." A Minden business man and his three children, killed in a light plane crash will leave a gapping vacuum, unable to be filled by others, in this community of 2380 residents. Never does one realize the importance of individuals until it is too late. William Dale Morris was a native of Lebanon, Nebr., and first... Read More	Kearney County News Minden, Nebraska Monday April 30, 1962 [Top of front page] PLANE WRECK CLAIMS LIVES OF 4 _____________________________ The Victims. . . . [photo] DALE MORRIS receiving "Boss" award The tragedy which struck the Morris family Sunday has been described by residents as "the most tragic thing that has ever happened here." A Minden business man and his three children, killed in a light plane crash will leave a gapping vacuum, unable to be filled by others, in this community of 2380 residents. Never does one realize the importance of individuals until it is too late. William Dale Morris was a native of Lebanon, Nebr., and first came to Minden in 1936 with a construction firm to work on the post office. It was during that time that he met and later married Margaret Mathiasen. In 1937 and '38 he worked for the Sanitary Plumbing Co. here, and with the Kas. Nebr. Gas, Co. in 1938 and '39. The Morrises lived in Scottsbluff from 1941 to 1944, returning here that year. It was then that Dale went into the plumbing business on his own, enlarging and expanding that business through the years, adding the laundromat and dry cleaning operations. Dale's business activities were almost overshadowed by his service to the community and his generosity. He would do anything he possibly could to help anyone. He was a charter member of the Minden Lions Club and had had perfect attendance since chartered in 1948. He was a past president of the club, and had served two years as a Lions Zone Chairman. He was also a past Grand of the IOOF Lodge in Minden. He had previously served on the Minden City Council, and was just recently elected to serve again. He was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and in February was named as the Jaycees "Outstanding Boss of the Year." Earlier he had been initiated into the Tribe of Yessir by the Omaha group. Flying was his hobby. He had owned a plane in the early 1950's, sold it several years ago, and just recently purchased the Cessna 170, four place plane that was to claim his life. He and his family had planned a trip to Paris this summer, sometime after he and Mrs. Morris would have celebrated their Silver wedding anniversary which would have been June 6. _____ Allan Morris, 23, was the eldest child. He was a graduate of Minden High School where he had been active in school affairs. At the time of his death he was on vacation while completing a transfer from the United Air Lines Lincoln office to Denver. Relatively quiet and unassuming, he shared the same lust for living as did his father, brother, and sister. In school he had been particularly active in music; and he was active in church groups. _____ Diane Morris, 18, was a popular high school senior, and would have graduated in May when she would have received, in addition to her diploma, an Elk's Leadership Award which she won last fall. On Saturday she completed competition in the District Music contest, as did Jimmy. During her years in high school she was active in band and musical groups; was a drum majorette for two year; participated in the class play in her junior and senior years; on the annual staff; in the G. A. A.; in F. H. A.; she was the recipient of a purple and a gold laurel. In addition to her school activities, she was instructing nearly 50 young girls in baton and was active in church and youth activities. She was County Fair Queen last fall and FFA Sweetheart this spring. _____ Jimmy, 15, was just completing his first year of high school activity. He was in band, chorus, mixed octet and a soloist at the District Music contest. He participated in all athletics, earning a letter in football. Like his father, he was eager to do what he could to help others. He, too, was active in church and youth activities. He had been a member of the Boy Scouts and attended the Jubilee in Colorado Springs two summers ago. You see why we say this is a tragic loss to the Minden area. This community was stunned Sunday afternoon when word was received of the tragic deaths of Dale Morris, 46, prominent Minden business man; and his three children, Allan 23, Diane 18 and Jimmy 15. All four were apparently killed instantly when a light plane, owned and piloted by Mr. Morris, crashed into the side of a hill seven miles northeast of Cushing, about 35 miles north of Grand Island. The four members of the family were enroute to Creighton, Nebr., to help observe the silver wedding anniversary of Mrs. Morris's sister and husband, the George Nielsens. Mrs. Morris, the Gordon Mathiasens and Nadine and Walter Mathiasen had driven to Crieghton on Saturday for the celebration, Diane and Jim had competed in the District Music contest at McCook on Saturday and were supposed to fly up to Creighton on Sunday with Dale and Allan, weather permitting. As nearly as can be determined, it is estimated that the four left the Minden airport at about 6 a.m. Sunday. A resident of the area where the plane crashed, reported hearing a plane at 6:30 a. m. and also reported hearing a crash, but did not investigate. The plane was discovered about noon by a passing motorist and in turn reported to Sheriff Dan Schenck and County Attorney Pearl Dobdy at St. Paul. After preliminary investigation, authorities in Minden were notified. According to investigating officials, there was considerable fog and mist in the area of the plane crash early in the morning. Sheriff Schenck reported that the plane had gone through a barbed wire fence before smashing into the hill and "wreckage was strewn over a large area." Federal Aviation Agency officials from Hastings and Lincoln were also conducting an investigation in an effort to determine the cause of the crash. The plane was completely demolished with many small pieces scattered over the hillside. It was theorized that the pilot may have been attempting a landing in the area; or, that because of the fog and weather, he was flying low. According to an experienced pilot who viewed the wreckage, "the plane must have been traveling at a fast rate of speed to get as demolished as it was." The preliminary investigation included a call to Minden airport manager, Dennis Nelson, who verified the registration number on the plane as that of Morris'. The bodies of three of the victims, Dale, Diane and Jim, were immediately identified, but it was not determined until after the call to Minden authorities that Allan was also on the plane. Upon positive identification an effort was made to locate Mrs. Morris at Creighton. When members of the family at Creighton were called authorities were informed that the Mathiasens and Mrs. Morris had already left for Minden after the anniversary open house. The Highway Patrol was immediately notified, and the Mathiasen auto was halted at Albion where they were given knowledge of the tragedy. Mrs. Morris and Walter Mathiasen were given immediate sedation and brought to St. Paul where the bodies were identified. Arrangements were made by the Layton Funeral Home to bring the victims to Minden. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p. m. at the [Minden] high school auditorium. Mrs. Margaret Morris is the sole survivor of the immediate family. She is in the Kearney County Memorial Hospital. _________________________ _________________________ May 26, 2014 Jack, I just recently found this site. So was looking to see if my Uncle and family were on here. I found your post about Jimmy. Dale was my Dad's (Lowell) brother. Thank You for your posting. I remember vivdly when we found out the news. We had been gone and came home and saw it on tv. Rita Morris Darnall ___________________

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is William Dale Morris's memorial?
William Dale Morris's memorial is located at: Minden Cemetery, Minden, Kearney County, USA.
When did William Dale Morris death?
William Dale Morris death on 29 Apr 1962 in Nebraska, USA
Where are the coordinates of the William Dale Morris's memorial?
Latitude: 40.4950400
Longitude: -98.9619900

Family Members:

Parent

Spouse

Margaret Caroline Mathiasen Quick

(1913 - 2006)

Siblings

Lowell Wayne Morris

(1919 - 1985)

Children

Allan Dale Morris

(1939 - 1962)

Diane Jean Morris

(1943 - 1962)

James Leon “Jimmy” Morris

(1945 - 1962)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Minden Cemetery
Minden, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4950400, -98.9619900

2. Fredericksburg Cemetery
Minden, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4261560, -98.9319700

3. White Hill Cemetery
Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5675011, -98.9805984

4. Bethany Cemetery
Axtell, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4665413, -99.0843201

5. Liberty Cemetery
Minden, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5833015, -98.9041977

6. Free Mission Cemetery
Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4030991, -98.9139023

7. Keene Family Cemetery
Keene, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4270500, -99.0658900

8. Keene Cemetery
Keene, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4227700, -99.0747900

9. May Cemetery
Norman, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4599991, -98.8191986

10. Bethphage Cemetery
Axtell, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4882750, -99.1190130

11. Pleasant Hill Cemetery
Axtell, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4870000, -99.1235000

12. Garden Plain Cemetery
Minden, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3792000, -99.0186005

13. Norman Cemetery
Norman, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4728012, -98.7992020

14. Eaton Cemetery
Heartwell, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5614014, -98.8003006

15. Fort Kearney Post Cemetery
Buffalo County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6429000, -99.0066400

16. Mound Valley Cemetery
Blaine Township, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5849341, -99.1428820

17. Osco Cemetery
Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3725014, -98.8118973

18. Salem Methodist Church Cemetery
Axtell, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4528000, -99.1790000

19. Hildreth Cemetery
Hildreth, Franklin County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3293991, -99.0294037

20. Saint Peters Cemetery
Hildreth, Franklin County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3280983, -99.0475006

21. Holy Family Cemetery
Heartwell, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5960999, -98.7605972

22. Wilcox Cemetery
Wilcox, Kearney County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3657990, -99.1511002

23. Upland Cemetery
Upland, Franklin County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3078003, -98.8974991

24. Fridhem Cemetery
Funk, Phelps County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4678001, -99.2174988