Morris was born April 19, 1934, in Grant, Michigan to the Rev. Marcius and Mearl (Himelick) Taber. He graduated from Battle Creek Lakeview High School in 1951, from Albion College in 1955, and from the Ohio State University in 1956. He married Ann Elizabeth Gehman on June 26, 1954, in Vermontville, Michigan.

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A committed teacher throughout his life, Morris spent most of his professional career as a history instructor at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Michigan. While at Henry Ford, Morris was a strong advocate for teachers through his involvement in the American Association of University Professors and faculty governance.

 

He and Ann and his family went on many trips across the United States and around the world. After a trip to Zimbabwe in 1999 and a semester teaching American History at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, Morris and Ann devoted much of their time and resources to assisting Zimbabwean youth in furthering their education. In addition, Morris and Ann were instrumental in establishing several school libraries in the area around Mutare. He was very active in the United Methodist church and a tireless community activist, frequently donating his time and resources to causes such as Cass Community Social Services in Detroit and Justice for Our Neighbors as well as numerous political campaigns.

 

Morris was an avid stamp collector. He had a particular interest in British overprint stamps and covers and the fascinating stories they told.

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Morris is survived by his wife Ann, his sons Mark (Colleen) Taber and Steven (Julie) Taber, his brother Harold (Miriam) Taber, sisters Carolyn (Werner) Klisch and Margery (Gordon) Schleicher, and numerous grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother John.

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Memorial donations may be made to Africa University, Cass Community Social Services, Justice for Our Neighbors Southeastern Michigan, or First United Methodist Church Ypsilanti.