Gregory
Gregory L. Morris
Greg passed away Thursday, December 7, 2023 at his home in Battle Creek.
He was born April 7, 1959 in Plainwell, the son of Robert and Mary (Coburn) Morris. Greg was a gifted musician and loved playing the guitar. He played lead guitar in the band Midlife Crisis in Grand Rapids for 11 years and belonged to several other bands over the years.
Music was Greg’s passion but he also loved animals. He was quick to care for any cat or dog in need. He also enjoyed camping with his wife and spending time with his family. On March 11, 2011 he married Diana Lancaster who survives.
Also surviving are his step-children, Josh (Katie) Lancaster, Jessica (Brian) Fitzgerald, Justin (Heather) Lancaster and Jeffrey (Jill) Lancaster; step-grandchildren, Caleb, Chloe, Alexandra, Aiden, Sienna, Cohen, Lillian and Valerie great-grandson, Grayson; siblings, Michael (Lorna) VanLent and Cherie (Joe) Reiss along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place.
Contributions in memory of Greg may be made to Wishbone Pet Rescue.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Offer Condolence for the family of Gregory L. Morris
Condolence Messages
Dan Campbell
December 7, 2023 at 6:37 pm
Greg and i became friends in high school. Yes he was a gifted guitar player he progressed very quickly at it. He was inspiring to me as a guitar player.
I will miss you Greg Morris! Prayers for his wife Diana and to the whole family.
Reply
Connie (Campbell) Thomson
December 7, 2023 at 6:49 pm
Diana, I am so very sorry for your family’s loss and Greg’s family’s loss. I was truly shocked and saddened to hear the news. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Reply
Ken Fritz
December 8, 2023 at 6:25 am
So sorry for your loss. Haven’t seen Greg since high school.
Many memories of Greg and Maximus.
Although the paths of our lives separated us, I’ve always considered Greg a friend.
Diana, myself and my family will be praying for you and your family. May you all find comfort in the arms of the Savior during this time of loss and sorrow.
Reply
Johann D Peck
December 8, 2023 at 9:19 am
Prayers for comfort,, during this difficult time.
Reply
Kurt Boulter
December 8, 2023 at 10:37 am
Soo sorry for all of our loss of a great guitarist, friend and man, especially you Diana.
Greg and I spent many hours and practices together learning – mainly Greg teaching me guitar. I still will play a song on guitar Greg helped me play correctly. He was a great band mate for several bands and we had great times in high school cruising in his Falcon and 4×4. Prayers for all who Greg knew.
Reply
Joseph Stout
December 8, 2023 at 12:49 pm
Shocked and saddened to hear of Greg’s passing. My first memories of Greg were him playing guitar on the High School cafeteria stage with his band Maximus in 1975. It was obvious then that he was far and away an advanced player with tons of talent. Post high school, I would re-connect with Greg through music and had the good fortune of being able to share a stage with him at a nonprofit event we hosted. Greg was always ready and willing to help the cause and he and his band Mid Life Crisis performed many times at the event and volunteered their time. Greg was easy to appreciate with a genuine laugh and a kind heart. Wishing comfort for Diana, and all family and friends dealing with this loss. Auf Wiedersehen Greg.
Reply
Michael Crittenden
December 8, 2023 at 3:43 pm
Sad to hear this news today. Totally blindsided. Greg was a great guy and a true pro guitarist. I always enjoyed working with him in the studio, sharing gigs and hanging out. Sending wishes for peace to you , Diana.
Reply
Ken and Toni Coburn
December 8, 2023 at 5:56 pm
Sorry for the loss of Greg. He was a great cousin. I should have been closer over the years.
He would brag to me how great of a guitar player he was and I believed him.
Will miss him.
Reply
Linda Froelich
December 8, 2023 at 6:54 pm
I’m so very sorry to hear this Diana. Sending you prayers and hugs.
Reply
Phil Biggs
December 8, 2023 at 6:56 pm
Diana, I’m shocked and so sad to hear this news. Greg was a superb musician and even better person and friend.
Please accept deepest condolences from Sally and me. God bless you and farewell my friend Greg.
Reply
Bob Lacy
December 10, 2023 at 7:44 am
Was blessed to play music for several years with Greg in the band Nitehawk back in the 90’s. What a truely gifted musician.
But more than that he was a true friend. My heartfelt condolences to Diane and family. Sending prayers to you all. Will there be a memorial service of any kind?
I will miss you Greg.. rest in the arms of the Lord.
Reply
Jeff Burleigh
December 10, 2023 at 12:35 pm
Along with being a high school classmate, I had the fortunate experience of playing in several bands with Greg over the years. Along with being a skilled musician, he was an all-around good guy to be around. I will always remember getting lost at night, in a snowstorm, while touring bars in Northern Michigan. Also, Greg’s continual search for the perfect sound, including switching out multiple pickup combinations on his Les Paul, ending up reinstalling the stock set, after filling a box full of alternative choices. Thoughts and prayers to Diana and the family. A good guy gone way too soon.
Reply
Tom Brown
December 10, 2023 at 11:05 pm
Back in 1984, when I first started visiting clubs in Kalamazoo, Greg caught my attention as he played gigs around West Michigan. It was later in life that I became lucky enough to play along side with Greg as part of Mid-Life Crisis and we shared the thrill of opening for Cheap Trick & Kansas (among many other great shows) It was an honor and blessing to share the stage and time with a truly gifted musician!! The memories are strong and the sadness is heavy… Thinking of you Diana … Tammie and I send our deepest condolences and wishes for peace and great pride in the gifts that this special man touched so many lives with!
Reply
Tim Sobie
December 15, 2023 at 4:35 pm
Diana, not enough words of sympathy for you. Hands down, bar none Greg was the best guitar player I’ve ever been in a band with. So many great memories in the band or hanging out when we didn’t have a gig. You will never be forgotten Gregger!! God must have needed to add a guitar player for the Christmas Celebration! Love you Greg.
Reply
Phil Biggs
December 26, 2023 at 6:37 pm
Diana, I’ve struggled over the past month thinking of your loss, and ours, with Greg’s untimely passing. Been thinking of him and you a lot.
I was recalling what he used to say to me, frequently, that he liked working with me on lead parts for my songs because I “always left him plenty of space to create some cool riffs…”
Thought you might like to listen to a few that are my favorites that showcased his pure slide techniques, harmonics, note extensions, or plain ole ripping! He was so unique and so amazing. I hope you love listening to his work on these tunes, and it brings back some joy and good memories for you as it does for me…
Walk the Red Road, his lead guitar was haunting and unmatched…
https://www.reverbnation.com/philbiggs/song/7742311-walk-the-red-road?source=artistMusic
Last Flight Out, check out his lead work after the second chorus…
https://www.reverbnation.com/philbiggs/song/7742311-walk-the-red-road?source=artistMusic
Farewell to the Moon, only six seconds in and he’s setting the mood, wow.
https://www.reverbnation.com/philbiggs/song/31170926-farewell-to-the-moon?source=artistMusic
Diana, God bless you now and always, and none of us who knew him and worked with him will ever forget his beautiful talents, and yours and his friendship.
Phil
Reply
Diane Woodruff
December 28, 2023 at 6:42 pm
Diana, I am so sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Reply
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He was born April 7, 1959 in Plainwell, the son of Robert and Mary (Coburn) Morris. Greg was a gifted musician and loved playing the guitar. He played lead guitar in the band Midlife Crisis in Grand Rapids for 11 years and belonged to several other bands over the years.
Music was Greg’s passion but he also loved animals. He was quick to care for any cat or dog in need. He also enjoyed camping with his wife and spending time with his family. On March 11, 2011 he married Diana Lancaster who survives.
Also surviving are his step-children, Josh (Katie) Lancaster, Jessica (Brian) Fitzgerald, Justin (Heather) Lancaster and Jeffrey (Jill) Lancaster; step-grandchildren, Caleb, Chloe, Alexandra, Aiden, Sienna, Cohen, Lillian and Valerie great-grandson, Grayson; siblings, Michael (Lorna) VanLent and Cherie (Joe) Reiss along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place.
Contributions in memory of Greg may be made to Wishbone Pet Rescue.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Offer Condolence for the family of Gregory L. Morris
Condolence Messages
Dan Campbell
December 7, 2023 at 6:37 pm
Greg and i became friends in high school. Yes he was a gifted guitar player he progressed very quickly at it. He was inspiring to me as a guitar player.
I will miss you Greg Morris! Prayers for his wife Diana and to the whole family.
Reply
Connie (Campbell) Thomson
December 7, 2023 at 6:49 pm
Diana, I am so very sorry for your family’s loss and Greg’s family’s loss. I was truly shocked and saddened to hear the news. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Reply
Ken Fritz
December 8, 2023 at 6:25 am
So sorry for your loss. Haven’t seen Greg since high school.
Many memories of Greg and Maximus.
Although the paths of our lives separated us, I’ve always considered Greg a friend.
Diana, myself and my family will be praying for you and your family. May you all find comfort in the arms of the Savior during this time of loss and sorrow.
Reply
Johann D Peck
December 8, 2023 at 9:19 am
Prayers for comfort,, during this difficult time.
Reply
Kurt Boulter
December 8, 2023 at 10:37 am
Soo sorry for all of our loss of a great guitarist, friend and man, especially you Diana.
Greg and I spent many hours and practices together learning – mainly Greg teaching me guitar. I still will play a song on guitar Greg helped me play correctly. He was a great band mate for several bands and we had great times in high school cruising in his Falcon and 4×4. Prayers for all who Greg knew.
Reply
Joseph Stout
December 8, 2023 at 12:49 pm
Shocked and saddened to hear of Greg’s passing. My first memories of Greg were him playing guitar on the High School cafeteria stage with his band Maximus in 1975. It was obvious then that he was far and away an advanced player with tons of talent. Post high school, I would re-connect with Greg through music and had the good fortune of being able to share a stage with him at a nonprofit event we hosted. Greg was always ready and willing to help the cause and he and his band Mid Life Crisis performed many times at the event and volunteered their time. Greg was easy to appreciate with a genuine laugh and a kind heart. Wishing comfort for Diana, and all family and friends dealing with this loss. Auf Wiedersehen Greg.
Reply
Michael Crittenden
December 8, 2023 at 3:43 pm
Sad to hear this news today. Totally blindsided. Greg was a great guy and a true pro guitarist. I always enjoyed working with him in the studio, sharing gigs and hanging out. Sending wishes for peace to you , Diana.
Reply
Ken and Toni Coburn
December 8, 2023 at 5:56 pm
Sorry for the loss of Greg. He was a great cousin. I should have been closer over the years.
He would brag to me how great of a guitar player he was and I believed him.
Will miss him.
Reply
Linda Froelich
December 8, 2023 at 6:54 pm
I’m so very sorry to hear this Diana. Sending you prayers and hugs.
Reply
Phil Biggs
December 8, 2023 at 6:56 pm
Diana, I’m shocked and so sad to hear this news. Greg was a superb musician and even better person and friend.
Please accept deepest condolences from Sally and me. God bless you and farewell my friend Greg.
Reply
Bob Lacy
December 10, 2023 at 7:44 am
Was blessed to play music for several years with Greg in the band Nitehawk back in the 90’s. What a truely gifted musician.
But more than that he was a true friend. My heartfelt condolences to Diane and family. Sending prayers to you all. Will there be a memorial service of any kind?
I will miss you Greg.. rest in the arms of the Lord.
Reply
Jeff Burleigh
December 10, 2023 at 12:35 pm
Along with being a high school classmate, I had the fortunate experience of playing in several bands with Greg over the years. Along with being a skilled musician, he was an all-around good guy to be around. I will always remember getting lost at night, in a snowstorm, while touring bars in Northern Michigan. Also, Greg’s continual search for the perfect sound, including switching out multiple pickup combinations on his Les Paul, ending up reinstalling the stock set, after filling a box full of alternative choices. Thoughts and prayers to Diana and the family. A good guy gone way too soon.
Reply
Tom Brown
December 10, 2023 at 11:05 pm
Back in 1984, when I first started visiting clubs in Kalamazoo, Greg caught my attention as he played gigs around West Michigan. It was later in life that I became lucky enough to play along side with Greg as part of Mid-Life Crisis and we shared the thrill of opening for Cheap Trick & Kansas (among many other great shows) It was an honor and blessing to share the stage and time with a truly gifted musician!! The memories are strong and the sadness is heavy… Thinking of you Diana … Tammie and I send our deepest condolences and wishes for peace and great pride in the gifts that this special man touched so many lives with!
Reply
Tim Sobie
December 15, 2023 at 4:35 pm
Diana, not enough words of sympathy for you. Hands down, bar none Greg was the best guitar player I’ve ever been in a band with. So many great memories in the band or hanging out when we didn’t have a gig. You will never be forgotten Gregger!! God must have needed to add a guitar player for the Christmas Celebration! Love you Greg.
Reply
Phil Biggs
December 26, 2023 at 6:37 pm
Diana, I’ve struggled over the past month thinking of your loss, and ours, with Greg’s untimely passing. Been thinking of him and you a lot.
I was recalling what he used to say to me, frequently, that he liked working with me on lead parts for my songs because I “always left him plenty of space to create some cool riffs…”
Thought you might like to listen to a few that are my favorites that showcased his pure slide techniques, harmonics, note extensions, or plain ole ripping! He was so unique and so amazing. I hope you love listening to his work on these tunes, and it brings back some joy and good memories for you as it does for me…
Walk the Red Road, his lead guitar was haunting and unmatched…
https://www.reverbnation.com/philbiggs/song/7742311-walk-the-red-road?source=artistMusic
Last Flight Out, check out his lead work after the second chorus…
https://www.reverbnation.com/philbiggs/song/7742311-walk-the-red-road?source=artistMusic
Farewell to the Moon, only six seconds in and he’s setting the mood, wow.
https://www.reverbnation.com/philbiggs/song/31170926-farewell-to-the-moon?source=artistMusic
Diana, God bless you now and always, and none of us who knew him and worked with him will ever forget his beautiful talents, and yours and his friendship.
Phil
Reply
Diane Woodruff
December 28, 2023 at 6:42 pm
Diana, I am so sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Reply
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