Roger L. Morrison

Dr. Roger L. Morrison, 68, of Columbia, Mo., was called to his Heavenly Home Monday, November 19, 2018.

Visitation for family and friends was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. p.m. Tuesday. November 27, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2201 W. Rollins Rd. in Columbia. The funeral will also be at Trinity Lutheran Church at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, with Rev. Brian Thieme officiating. The Lutheran service of Committal will follow on Thursday, November 29 at 12:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery in New Minden, Illinois.

Roger was born August 1, 1950 in Centralia, Ill. to Warren R. And Ethel L. (Stull) Morrison. He and his brother Wayne grew up on a small farm outside Nashville where Roger developed an appreciation for, and a love of, agriculture.

He graduated from Nashville Community High School in 1968. In his doctoral thesis, Roger wrote to his great credit he “married Carol A. Sachtleben, August 29, 1970 at St. John Lutheran Church in New Minden, Ill.”  He was proud of their many accomplishments and 48 years of Christian marriage. They raised two sons, Eric and Jason. Carol survives him at their home in Columbia.

Roger studied animal science at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1972.  He earned a Master’s of Science of Animal Husbandry in 1975 and a PhD in Animal Science in 1984 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. While completing his PhD, Roger worked at the University of Missouri Department of Agriculture in several capacities, including Director of Placement.

He used his knowledge and expertise of the agricultural industry at MoorMan Feed Manufacturing Company, and later when it became Archer Daniels Midland (ADM). He also worked for Roche Animal Health, Cargill and Gladwin Reed.

During his 45-year educational and professional career, Roger also enjoyed time with the University of Illinois Livestock Judging Team, University of Illinois Extension (Adams County), John Wood Community College (adjunct professor), University of Missouri Agriculture Alumni and University of Missouri Extension. He served multiple terms as Boone County Extension Council chairman and became a member of the MU Agriculture Alumni Leadership Society in 2012. He received various professional awards and honors throughout his career, including recent recognition for long-term commitment to MU Extension Programs. He celebrated his retirement in November 2016.

More recently, Roger was very proud of his grandchildren and cherished the time he spent with them, reading them books and attending their activities. He also enjoyed keeping in touch with many lifelong colleagues and friends. In his retirement, he volunteered with Job Point, helping people find employment.

Roger was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served over several decades in church leadership and as a member of the church choir. He also attended men’s weekly Bible study and was an elder of several congregations throughout his life.

In addition to his wife, Carol, survivors include son Eric R. (Amy) and grandson, Evan, of Columbia, and son Jason A. (Traci Angel) and grandson, Jack and granddaughter, Zara, of Kansas City, Mo., brother, Wayne R. (Leslie) of Eolia, Mo., brother-in-law Larry W.  (Betty) Sachtleben of New Minden, Ill. and sister-in-law Kathryn L. (Larry) Unverferhrt of Hoyleton, Ill.; along with many nieces and nephews, their spouses and children.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, Wilbert H. and Violet R. Sachtleben and a sister-in-law Barbara (Bobbi) Morrison, who so generously donated her kidney to him.

Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church, 2201 W. Rollins Rd.; Columbia, MO 65203; Boone County Extension, 1012 N. Highway UU; Columbia, MO 65203 and Lenoir Woods-Lutheran Senior Services, 3710 Lenoir Street; Columbia, MO 65201.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service and Crematory; 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, Missouri, 65203; (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.parkermillard.com.