Hartford City, Indiana

Michael R. “Mike” Morris, 62, of Hartford City, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, September 5, 2026, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mike was born on July 31, 1964, in Plymouth, Indiana, to Robert and Linda (Ellis) Morris. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to a farm outside of Bluffton, Indiana, where Mike grew up and later attended Southern Wells High School.

He graduated from Indiana University in 1988 and later made Hartford City his home. Throughout his career, Mike worked for many years as an insurance agent and also worked with Kline Family Farms. On August 8, 1992, he married Rebecca Kinder, and together they had two children, Alex and Jarron. On February 7, 2012, he married Julie Garrett.

Mike was deeply involved in his community and generously gave his time to Blackford County 4-H, serving on the 4-H Council and especially enjoying his time helping with the swine program. He was also a familiar face in Blackford County athletics. Over the years, Mike ran the scoreboard for Blackford High School basketball, football, and soccer games and coached both girls’ golf and girls’ basketball at the high school. He later continued sharing his love of sports by coaching boys’ basketball at the elementary level. Whether volunteering with 4-H, coaching young athletes, or working the scoreboard on game day, Mike took great pride in supporting the kids and community of Blackford County.

Outside of work and volunteering, Mike enjoyed playing poker and golf and was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Cincinnati Reds, Nashville Predators, Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and Indiana University. He loved traveling with his family and especially treasured the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. Whether it was a family trip, a sporting event, or simply time spent together, being surrounded by those he loved brought Mike his greatest joy. He was also a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Hartford City.

Mike is survived by his wife, Julie Morris; his children, Sarah Clark (Todd), Telsa Rodenbeck (Austin), Alexandra “Alex” Morris (Douglas McGuire), and Jarron Morris (McKenzie Streat); his mother, Linda Ellis; his father, Robert Morris; his stepmother, Joe Morris; his sister, Camille Fulkerson (Gary); and his four grandchildren, Mali Clark, Keaton Rodenbeck, Wake Rodenbeck, and Bohdi Rodenbeck.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City, with Brian Waters officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory.

Family and friends are invited to visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m.