Leon Faries Morris, of Dover, DE, 97 years of age, passed away on Saturday September 13, 2025 from old age. Leon was born May 31, 1928, in Smyrna, DE, to Benjamin Franklin Morris, Jr. and Mary Ethel (Faries) Morris.

Leon retired from Civil Service at Dover Air Force Base after 35 years where he worked in the 436th Civil Engineering Squadron as Superintendent, Family Housing Maintenance, and his last five years as Superintendent of Corrosion Control painting C5 aircraft. His career there earned him the respect and long-term friendships from military and civilian personnel alike. He never left a job undone. After retirement, Leon owned coin operated washers and dryers all around the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware as Loose Change, Inc. He was also a housing contractor and built and sold several homes in the Dover area. As a young man, he spent two years in the U.S. Navy and was a well-respected house and sign painter in the Smyrna area along with his father and brother. He went to New York City to Neon School, where he learned to make neon signs. He was active in community services and served as Past President and is a life member of Smyrna Fire Co., a member of VFW Post 8801, and American Legion Post #2.

Unique is the only way to describe Leon Morris. His perpetual energy and humor is unlike any other, and was famous on the Chesapeake Bay, where he boated for over 50 years, his antics and experiences would fill a book. He taught numerous new boaters how to handle their craft as well as the unpredictable dangers of the Bay. Leon held membership in the Kent Island Yacht Club as well as Miles River Yacht Club. He skied in Winter Park, Colorado, piloted his own plane and flew all over the U.S. Leon was a member of the Civil Air Patrol for over 20 years and was Commander of Kent Senior Squadron approximately four years. His flying career expanded over 60 years, and he accrued over 2000 hours. No small feat. He especially enjoyed flying to the Caribbean; Florida; Northeast states and often regaled us for hours of his adventures. Leon took his dream flight in 2010, at the age of 83 when he flew the Crazy Horse, a WW II vintage aircraft, P-51 Mustang. It was so awesome the following year he flew the North American T-6 Texan, and in 2013 flew the L-39 turbo jet. Leon knew no fear or ever hesitated to meet a challenge.

Leon was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Nancy Anne in 2010, his first wife Connie in 1974; and his brother, Franklin. Leon is survived by two nieces, Lee Dulin, and Louise Jester; and a nephew, Benjamin Franklin Morris IV and their families. Leon will also remain a permanent part of his extended family, The Lank family, Rhonda, Joy and Jeff and their spouses; Rod Accetta and family of Dover. Anyone who knew Leon is well aware there will never be another like him in this life. We will always hear him saying his favorite two sayings – 1. "God, I wonder what the poor people are doing" and 2. "I'm so happy I could scream." We are so proud to have known and loved him – Leon will be missed until we all meet again.

Services will be private.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.