Derrell Ray Morrow

Derrell Ray Morrow, 96, of Collinsville, OK succumbed in Hospice at his home on March 30, 2024.  He had been visited by various friends and family for the last few weeks and experienced great care and compassion by his Hospice nurses and technicians.  He was lovingly cared for by his daughter-in-law, Patty, for many years in the home.

He is survived by his wife, Harriet Ann Morrow, sons Dean (Patty) and Brent (DeeAnn); step-sons Larry Dresser (Marilyn), Johnny Thornton (Kelley), Branden Thornton (Shane) and Thad Thornton; step-daughters Raine Igarta (Jim), Jeanine Coffman (Rob), and Justina McAuley and many loving grandchildren, to include Stephen Murray of the home, as well.  He had 7 brothers and sisters and a host of nieces and nephews. His surviving brothers are Jim Morrow and Jerry (Louise) Morrow, and his sisters, Theral and Sally Morrow.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ellen Viola Mae (Vandergriff) and William Elbert Morrow, his son Derrell Wayne Morrow, step-daughter, Ina Dresser and his daughter Cindy Murray.

Derrell had many hobbies, to include hunting, traveling, fishing and his favorite, gardening.  He always grew the best and most tomatoes and had fantastic blackberry bushes.  In fact, that is how he met his wife, Harriet, looking over a blackberry bush.  He would later refer to her as his Blue-eyed River Possom.  Derrell not only married Harriet; he was a much-loved step-father and step-grandfather to all her children, who came to call him Dad or Papa D.

Derrell had many jobs over the years to support his family.  He was a milkman, plumber and a pipefitter.  His influence has been identified in multiple city and county buildings around northeast Oklahoma.  We frequently passed buildings that he had worked on at one time or another.

Derrell was a part-time pastor, as well, serving the Cumberland Presbyterian church in his earlier years.  When he retired from that, he supported Meadowcreek United Methodist Church, and was instrumental in building up the membership by his welcoming and loving spirit.  He and Harriet counted it a special blessing to make home visits and calls every week to church members, encouraging them in spirit and love.  He is greatly missed by his family and friends but we are all the better for knowing him.

Funeral services will be held at Meadowcreek United Methodist Church in Collinsville, Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 1:00, with Pastor Nathan Mattox officiating and Kenny Davis and Larry Dresser also speaking.  Burial will be in Sand Springs, OK at 3:00.  Viewing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, from 1:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home, Collinsville.   The family will be present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.