Alan Dean Morris
‘Duke’

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Alan Dean Morris passed away on Sept. 21, 2024, in his home with his family by his side.

Everyone called him Duke, but his favorite and most important name was Dad or Papa.

He was born Sept. 13, 1933, to Homer and Caroline Morris. He spent his youth in Southern California and Eugene, Oregon where he graduated in 1952.

Duke was drafted into the Army that same summer and was sent to fight in the Korean War.

After the war ended, he returned to California where he met his first wife and the mother of his four sons.

Duke and Joan were married in the summer of 1955. They had their first son, Doug in 1956 and their second son, Craig in 1961 where they lived in Southern California. They moved to Lakeport in 1961. Their third son, Mark was born in 1962 and their fourth son, Jim was born in 1966.

Duke and Joan bought the Bell Haven Resort in Kelseyville, California, in 1971 and ran it until 1995. They met many good friends during that time. They made a lot of memories raising their boys at the resort. During that same time, Duke had a 34-year career at Safeway, retiring in 1989.

Duke enjoyed his hot rods. He loved to buy and sell them but the car runs and car shows were some of his favorite times. Duke was a great skier too. He enjoyed the many winter ski trips with his family.

After becoming a widower, Duke married his second wife, Carolyn in 2000. They continued on with the car runs and car shows.

Duke will always be remembered for the love of his family and for his beautiful landscaped yards. He prided himself on his hard work, honesty and integrity that he has passed down to his sons.

Duke is survived by his wife, Carolyn Morris; his sons, Doug (Pam), Craig (Mary), Mark and Jim (Denise) Morris; his stepson, Joey DiBono (Fernanda); his stepdaughter, Lynne DiBono (Sandro); and his three nieces, Pam Adams, Karen Gough and Lori Heller.

Papa was a legend to his 16 grandchildren and his 23 great-grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his first wife, Joan Morris; his baby daughter, Roxanne; his sister, Sharon Ainsworth; his grandson, Clif Morris; and his parents.

Duke Morris was an amazing man, father, husband, grandfather, brother and uncle. His legacy will be carried on for generations.

The family would like to thank the VA and Hospice of Lake County.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.