Charles "Dan" Daniel Morris, 73 of Lead, passed away peacefully at home on January 24, 2017 due to health issues related to diabetes and minor heart problems after several years of successful dialysis.

Dan was born April 1, 1943 in Rapid City, SD. He was the second child of Charles (Hoot) and Muriel (Hanson) Morris. He attended kindergarten at St. John's Catholic School in Rapid City. The family moved to Lead, SD where Dan was a student at St. Patrick Catholic School through his freshmen year. Following the closing of St. Patrick High School, he enrolled at Lead High School for his sophomore through senior years and graduated in 1961. Dan was awarded an athletic (basketball) scholarship from the University of South Dakota, Vermillion. Following two years at USD, he transferred to Black Hills State University, Spearfish.

Growing up in Lead, Dan worked at his father's various service stations in Lead. Athletics, especially basketball, were always a big part of his life. From childhood years of getting the round Christmas present that could be dribbled, through all of the exciting high school games, Dan made many lifelong friends which he cherished to the end. Following college, he joined the South Dakota National Guard and worked in the Electrical Department at the Homestake Gold Mine until his retirement. In 1981, he married Patricia Papka.

Dan was avid about sports. Playing softball in the city league, he was known for his great pitching and homeruns. He played basketball in the city leagues, won a state pool tournament, and won a number of local golf tournaments. Golf became his latest sports passion. Dan was a permanent fixture at the area courses and was especially known for his competitiveness, low handicap, and long, long drives. One of his favorite memories he loved to share was a trip overseas visiting Tom and Joan Finn, where they played golf in Singapore and Australia.

Many who knew Dan, knew him as a man of principle and integrity. For both friends and family alike, he was there when needed and could always be counted on to honor his word and do as he promised. This was true in the little things as well. At the family holiday gatherings, Dan took his turkey carving duties seriously but let us poke fun at the "special" apron he wore.

Surviving family members are his sister, Linda (Robert) Asheim, Belle Fourche; brother, Peter J. Morris, Parker, CO; sister-in-law, Betty Morris, Sturgis; long-time companion and friend Shirleen Cogdill Fuller, Lexington, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents; parents; sister, Sarah (Sally) Garcia; brothers, Thomas John Morris, and David Michael Morris; and stepdaughter, Leianne Cogdill.

A Rosary and Vigil will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2017, at 5:30 PM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Lead, SD. The Memorial Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 3, 2017 at St. Patrick's.

A memorial has been established.