Benjamin "Ben" Wallace Morris IV met his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 after a lengthy battle with a rare illness. Ben was born on December 2, 1949 in Ada, Oklahoma to Anderson Brown Morris and Mary Kate Cole Morris. After the loss of his father at age twelve, his mother later married Jim Carson of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, and Ben and his three siblings moved from town life in Ada to the hard work and wide horizons of a dairy farm. During his teenage years, Jim officially adopted Ben, and for a brief time he went by "Benny Carson." Through his early twenties, Ben worked alongside his family on the dairy farm, where he learned the enduring lesson that there were "no days off" and "no excuses to not be present to milk the cows morning and night."

Ben graduated from Pauls Valley High School in 1968, where he was a talented Pole Vaulter, an active member of the FFA, and even a model for a local department store. After high school, Ben pursued higher education and, in 1994, graduated Cum Laude from UNLV with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration. Ben went on to spend 30 years in the casino industry where he honed his natural competitive nature into professional excellence.

Later in life, after a brief attempt at retirement, Ben joined the teaching staff at Mid-America Technology Center. There he taught alongside the lead instructors of the Transportation Department and, to everyone's surprise, drove one of the school buses. "Benny the Bus Driver" quickly became a well-respected and integral part of the teaching staff for 10 years.

He married Anita June Couch on July 1, 2012. Though their 15 years together were far too short, they filled their time with travel, fun, and fishing. Anita lovingly called him "her partner in crime," and whenever she would say, "I've been thinkin'…" Ben knew it meant a new plan was brewing to go somewhere or do something that would lead to another adventure.

Ben loved being outdoors, and fishing was his sport of choice. If he wasn't at home you could likely find him at the river, the lake, or (on one particular occasion) even out on the ice. In a fast-paced world, fishing was where Ben found his peace. The water was his sanctuary, the rhythm of casting and waiting his quiet form of worship. For a man who spent most of his life serving others, fishing was something that belonged entirely to him. It reenergized him, restored him, and never failed to bring him joy.

Ben influenced many people throughout his life. Those who knew him well would agree he wasn't much of a gift-giver, but was always generous with something far more valuable, his time, his hard-earned wisdom, and, when necessary, a firm life lesson. Whether you were family, friend, student, employee, or even a stranger, he believed in helping those willing to help themselves. And yes, that sometimes included the unlucky new server who happened to bring him an overcooked steak.

Ben is survived by his wife, Anita Couch Morris and her three children: Brittany Kessler (Chad), Edmond, OK; Tiffany Owen (Justin), Washington, OK; Colton Knox, Claremore, OK. Ben's five daughters: Jennifer Buckles, Edmond, OK; Cassandra Ciglar (Steve), Broken Arrow, OK; Makella Potts (DeWayne), Fitzhugh, OK; Candace Edmonston (Dan), Snohomish, WA; Jeanette Vargas (Anthony), Jacksonville, FL, and one bonus daughter: Britney Solmi (David), Harrah, OK. Ben's three siblings: Brown Morris, Margee Ratliff, and Bruce Morris; along with 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren and a multitude of friends.

He was preceded in death by: Jim Carson, Mary Kate Morris, Anderson Brown Morris.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the medical personnel and care facilities who have helped Ben and his family on this difficult journey. In special recognition, the family would like to thank the team at Integris Hospice House for the
truly peaceful and thoughtful care they provided to not only Ben but to the entire family. The staff there possess a calling and compassion that is unparalleled.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Ben's honor to the Mid-America Technology Center.
Checks can be made out to: Mid-America Technology Center Foundation
Memo: The Ben Morris Trade Excellence Scholarship
Mailing Address:
Mid-America Technology Center
Attn: Financial Aid Office
27438 OK-59
Wayne, Oklahoma 73095