Morris "Frosty" Short

Morris “Frosty” Dean Short, 89, passed away Friday, June 13, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Morris was born June 30, 1935, on the” Harvey Ranch” in Plymouth, Kansas, the son of Fred and Maggie (Murphy) Short. He attended the local grade school and graduated from Emporia High School in 1952. Morris was a long-time resident of Derby.

After graduating from high school in 1952, Morris joined the Navy at age 17. As a Navy metalworker and welder, Morris was stationed on the 337-foot-long U.S.S. Krishna (ARL 38) in Little Creek, Virginia, and served for four years. His training would launch a career that would inspire a lifetime passion for metalsmithing. After the Navy, Morris worked on the construction of the Kansas Turnpike. He later owned a service station in Emporia, Kansas, and eventually went to work for Boeing. His last job was as a machine shop inspector with Wolfe Machine. He always told us that he was retired, but he would always go back whenever they called and asked for his help.

In his younger days, Morris enjoyed racing motorcycles. He was a member of the KMSA Motorcycle Club, which sparked a lasting love of motorcycles that continued until his last days. Morris had a passion for restoring old motorcycles and trucks. He was methodical and driven to get every detail perfect, which led him to work on restoring his ’53 Ford pickup for the last 17 years.

In the summers, you could find him boating at the lake and spending time with his family and friends. Morris loved taking people out on his boat for a quick trip around the lake or to give lessons on water skiing. He would spend as much time as it took to see their faces when they finally achieved their goal of getting up on skis, even if it was just for a minute. He was always patient and encouraging. Morris himself was an accomplished barefoot skier.

He would be the first one to lend a hand when someone needed help. Some of the things he looked forward to were the Legion “Toy Run” and food drives for the veteran’s Thanksgiving meals.

He was loyal to his friends and loving to his family. He loved all he knew wholeheartedly and without judgment. Serving “God and Country” wasn’t just a slogan to him; it was truly who he was. He was proud to be a greeter, holding the doors open on Sunday mornings at OneChurch at Pleasantview.

Morris was proud to be a member of the Patriot Guard. He felt honored to serve at the funerals of service members. He worked long hours to help renovate the building for the Legion, enabling them to realize their dream of having their building, and he was happy with its success.

Morris married Mildred Cole on September 29, 1957, in Americus, Kansas; they later divorced. They had two children, Teri and Tom, who preceded him in death. Morris was also preceded in death by his wife of 16 years, Debbie Jacks Garver, in 2024; his mother and father; sister, Helen Strome; brothers, Kenneth, Clayton, Bill, and Richard; and his infant brother, Fred.

Morris is survived by his son, Steve (Paula) Thomson; sister-in-law, Renee (Roger) Williams; stepson, Jared (Taylor) Garver; stepdaughter, Jolene (Jeff) Seal; and grandchildren, Cameron Thomson, Ashton, Kellen, and Brady Garver, as well as Alexis, Keaton, and Emma Seal. Morris was blessed with the love of numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Morris “Frosty” will be missed, and his spirit lives on in the cherished memories of those he loved and who loved him in return.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Legion Post 408 in Derby, Kansas, or the Mulvane Animal Clinic in Mulvane, Kansas.