Funeral scheduled tomorrow for Brian David Morris

DOWNEY - Brian David Morris, a lifelong Downey resident and son of Downey school board member D. Mark Morris, died Saturday from complications of surgery following a serious car accident last month. He was 28.Morris was hit by a car that ran a red light on Jan. 10. He was taken to St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood where he was listed in critical condition with a concussion and fractured clavicle and pelvis. He was released to home care 2 1/2 weeks later. On Saturday morning, he was rushed to Downey Regional Medical Center after having difficulty breathing. He passed away at the hospital. Morris was born Nov. 9, 1981 at the Kaiser Permanente hospital in Bellflower. He attended Gauldin Elementary, East Middle School and graduated from Downey High School in 1999. He continued his education at Cerritos College, and was accepted to Cal State Dominguez Hills for the fall of 2010, where he was to major in accounting. Morris was employed the past three years by Strayers, Saylors & Associates as an assistant accountant. He was a CTEC registered tax preparer. Morris was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attended the Downey 5th Young Single Adult Branch on Paramount Boulevard. He attended and graduated from a four-year seminary program in 1999. He also graduated from the LDS Institute of Religion course in 2004. He served as a councilor and auditor for the Downey California Stake for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and also served as a Sunday school president. He was recently called to the Elders Quorum presidency. Morris also served seven years as a temple worker in the Los Angeles Temple. From 2001-2003, Morris served on a two-year mission in Guatemala city of South Mission. He became fluent in Spanish and "developed a true love for the people," family members said. Morris was an active member of Boy Scouts of America, where he advanced to Order of the Arrow. In May of 1999, he received the Seagull Award from the Los Angeles Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America for his "attributes, ability and desire to become a great leader, not only in church, but the community as well." He also served as a merit badge counselor. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 12425 Orizaba Ave., in Downey. A viewing will take place 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at Rose Hill Memorial Park, at Gate 10. Morris was preceded in death by two sisters: Elizabeth Morris in 1977 and Evelyn Morris in 2008. He is survived by his parents, D. Mark Morris and Pamela Morris; sisters, Allison Marshall, Kathryn Morris and Sharon Morris; and one brother, Wayne Morris.

********** Published: February 12, 2010 - Volume 8 - Issue 43