Gilbert Lee Morris, age 88, went to be with his Lord on February 20, 2026, in Norman, Oklahoma, with loved ones by his side. He spent nearly his entire life in the Pauls Valley and Elmore City communities, where he built lifelong friendships and touched the lives of many.
He was born on April 28, 1937, in Los Angeles, California, to Naomi Kaye (Owens) and Ernest Boyd Morris. He grew up in the Elmore City area and graduated from Elmore City High School in 1955 before attending banking school in the Dallas, Texas area.
Gilbert devoted 43 years to First National Bank of Pauls Valley, which later became First United Bank, where he served as Assistant Vice President. He was dependable and accurate, a hard worker, and a loyal friend to many. Gilbert often said the best part of his job was spending time with his co-workers and customers.
In his late teens, Gilbert placed his faith in Jesus Christ — a decision that shaped his life. His walk with Christ was the greatest joy of his life. He loved studying the Bible, praying, and sharing his faith with others. As a longtime member of Trinity Baptist Church in Pauls Valley, he served faithfully as a deacon and enjoyed serving with the Royal Ambassadors.
On July 12, 1959, he married the love of his life, Myrna Wade. Their 66 years of marriage were marked by deep devotion, shared faith, and unwavering partnership. Gilbert cherished Myrna. Together they built a home grounded in faith, love, and commitment to family.
Gilbert enjoyed traveling and treasured many wonderful family vacations. In later years, he and Myrna made many fond memories traveling with the Chickasaw Nation Seniors. He also enjoyed playing baseball and softball, fishing, and lively games of dominoes and cards with family and friends, where his competitive spirit often shone. He was known for his lighthearted teasing, bringing smiles to family and friends.
He is lovingly remembered by his family: his wife, Myrna Morris; his son, Tim Morris and wife Cindy of Bixby, Oklahoma; and his daughter, Amy Somers and husband Daniel of Norman, Oklahoma. He was a proud grandfather — known as “PaPa” to his grandchildren — and each of them brought him great joy: granddaughter Ashton Rowsey and husband Grant of Fultondale, Alabama; grandson Ryan Somers and granddaughter Lauren Somers of Norman, Oklahoma; and his great-granddaughter, Havyn of Fultondale, Alabama. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Archie Pingleton of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Boyd Morris and Lona Mae Morris; his mother, Naomi Kaye Rose; his sisters, Ruth Looney and Brenda Pingleton; and his infant grandson, Grant Michael Somers.
A service celebrating his life will be held at Trinity Baptist Church, 108 Loftin Lane, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 1 p.m. Pastor Andy Harrison will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Trinity Baptist Church, Pauls Valley, building fund.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to his loving caregivers at Arbor House Reminisce and A Path of Care Hospice.
Services are under the direction of Stufflebean-Coffey Funeral Home. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. You are invited to light a candle and/or send words of comfort to the family at stufflebeanfuneralhome. com.
