David (D.A.N.) Alexander Nathaniel Morris

David (D.A.N.) Alexander Nathaniel Morris, 72, of Goshen, Indiana, passed away the afternoon of May 2, 2017, at his home in Goshen, Indiana. He was surrounded by his family.

Dan was born on May 13, 1944 in the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica to the late Richard Gustavus Adolphus Morris and the late Edna Lucille Morris (Campbell).

After graduating from high school in Jamaica, Dan won a scholarship to the Inter American University in Puerto Rico, where he received a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) summa cum laude. Later, he moved to the U.S. where he received a Master of Science (M.S.) degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Notre Dame.All of Dan’s academic focus was in the areas of chemistry and mathematics, which provided him a wealth of personal and professional opportunities. While in the U.S. Dan was a Scientist at Miles Laboratories (Bayer) in Elkhart, Indiana for twenty-three years. During his tenure with Miles, Dan and his family were sent to Germany for three years, where Dan had a post at the Bayer home office. He went on to work at ETS/Hach company, also in Elkhart and retired from ETS/Hach in March 2013.Dan has been issued more than 25 U.S. and worldwide patents for his work in the medical diagnostic area of blood and urine. Realizing that he wasn’t ready for retirement, he decided to pursue his true passion of teaching. As such, Dan became an Adjunct Professor of Chemistry and Mathematics at Ivy Tech Community College and Goshen College. Prior to his illness he was a full-time Professor at Southwestern Michigan College in Niles, Michigan. Dan was active in his community. He coached his children’s soccer teams and was a role model to the youth who were new to the sport. He was a founding member of the Elkhart Morning Rotary Club where he served as President. He was a past Executive Board Member of the Bristol Opera House, a life member of the NAACP, a member of the American Chemical Society, a past Board member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Elkhart and was one of the founding members of the Elkhart Juvenile Justice System Task Force.However, it was Dan’s gift as an orator that brought him acclaim and he was active with the Miles Toastmasters Club. Dan was a faithful member of St. James A.M.E. Church for more than thirty years, and he served on the Trustee Board for much of that time. He also served in both the Men’s and the Inspirational Choirs. Sharing his love of technology and his creative spirit, he became the official photographer of St. James and documented many of St. James’ events through videos and shared them via the Internet for all. Dan was an incredible actor and was part of the St. James Drama Ministry.

Dan is survived by the love of his life, Barbara Morris (Brown), their two children, David Morris (Pamela) and Melinda Wesonga (Steven), five grandchildren, Liyala Wesonga, Ezekiel Wesonga, Savai Wesonga, Sarah Morris, and Jackson Morris. Also surviving are his siblings, Rosalie Markes of Goshen IN., Dr. George E. Morris (Ruth) of Canada, Dr. Ena Farley of Brockport, NY and Hyacinth Anglin (Rev. Lenworth) of Jamaica. A sister, Edna Marie Clarke preceded him in death. Dan made his transition Tuesday, May 2, 2017 surrounded by those who loved him. His beautiful spirit will forever be cherished in the lives of his children, grandchildren, family, friends and former students. He will be remembered for his calm disposition, loving words, and Christian faith.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 13 at Faith United Methodist Church, 22045 C.R. 18, Goshen, Indiana. Visitation will be one hour prior to the 2:00 p.m. Celebration of Life Service.

Online condolences may be directed to www.hartzlergutermuthinman.com.

His care has been entrusted to Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home.

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