RICHARD C. MORRISON
On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Richard C. Morrison, 90, quietly and peacefully took his last breath. He had been lovingly cared for by Kanawha Hospice during the last three months of his life.
Born July 17, 1935, in Huntington, WV, to Carroll O. and Eloise “Honey” Plantz Morrison, Richard grew up in Huntington with a brief family stay in Seattle, Washington before settling in Pinch, WV. His parents built and operated Indian Fishing Lake in Pinch and Rippling Waters Fishing Lake and Swimming Pool in Romance, WV—businesses in which
Richard and his brother, Phil, were actively involved throughout their youth.
A 1954 graduate of Elkview High School, Richard went on to pursue a Civil Engineering degree at West Virginia University while participating in ROTC. On May 25, 1957, he married the love of his life, Frances Jean Lavender. Their 68-year marriage was marked by deep devotion as they raised three children and a nephew and faced several health challenges together. Shortly after they wed, Richard enlisted in the United States Army, serving at Fort Jackson, SC, and Fort Leonard Wood, MO.
Following his military service, Richard worked as a Design Technician for the West Virginia State Road Commission for 16 years. He later joined Colon, Rude and Associates, an engineering firm. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found American Check Reporting Company, and later, RichMorr & Associates, an environmental contracting business.
In 2016, Richard and Frances were rear ended in a terrible car accident. That impact triggered a severe stroke, which altered Richard’s health forever.
Richard was a true fixer—always working on automobiles, appliances, and gadgets. He and Frances loved square dancing, camping, and traveling, especially trips to Amish country, the beach, and visits to family in Colorado.
Richard was baptized at Beverly Hills Methodist Church in Huntington and attended Elkview Baptist Church and most recently Mount Tabor United Methodist Church in Pinch.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Frances; his children Andrew C. (Kathy Jo), Micheal O. (Dawn), and Cathy Lee Grimm (Mark); and his nephew Doug Lavender (Teresa).
He also leaves behind five granddaughters—Christina, Angelica, Kaytlin, Courtney, and Brianna—their families, a great-grandson, Raziel, and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Phillip L. Morrison and nephews Wayne and Brian Morrison and their families.
Richard was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Tommy (Betty) Lavender and sister-in-law Diana Morrison.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mount Tabor United Methodist Church, PO Box 94, Pinch, WV 25156, or to Kanawha Hospice, 1606 Kanawha Blvd W, Charleston, WV 25387.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial celebration on Saturday, January 31, 2026, 3pm with Pastor Susan Jones, Pastor Danny Kinder officiating at Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Rd, Elkview, WV. The family will begin greeting guests at 2 p.m.
