Donald Lester McMorris

Donald Lester McMorris, 86, known as the “Cross Man” in the Tularosa Basin, passed peacefully at home on May 9, 2023. His wife, Karen, and his four sons were by his side. Don was born in Omaha, Nebraska on May 5, 1937. After his enlistment in the US Navy, Don worked for McDonnell Douglas at Cape Canaveral on the Saturn and Apollo program. After he completed his Master's Degree in social work, he relocated to Tularosa, New Mexico. Don worked for the Red Cross and was at Ground Zero in New York City immediately after 9/11. Don also volunteered with Alamogordo Home Care and Hospice. 

He was proceeded in death by his oldest son, Donald Lester McMorris, Jr., and his two stepsons, Steven Anthony Betts and Douglas Dean Betts. 

Donald is survived by his wife, Karen McMorris; his four sons, Douglas, Denton, Daren, and Dustin McMorris; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild.

The memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm, Friday, May 12, 2023, at Alamogordo Funeral Home Chapel, 2301 E First Street, Alamogordo, NM.

The McMorris family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the services.

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