Optimist shoe program will honor "Doc" Morris

Friday, November 20, 2015

scottw@standard-democrat.com

SIKESTON -- David F. Morris was well known as a veterinarian but for many he will always be remembered as the guy who put shoes on school kids' feet.

Morris, who died Sept. 8 at age 78, was if not the sole guy responsible for starting the Sikeston Optimist Club's Christmas Shoe Program, was without doubt the heart and soul of the annual shoe giveaway program.

"He along with his wife, Nanette, and some others were instrumental in getting it started," said Ronda Smith, president of the Sikeston Optimists. "It started out as a heartfelt project for the community and it's grown to put 300 pairs of shoes on kids every year."

To make sure that his giving spirit isn't forgotten, that Sikeston Optimists voted during their meeting earlier this month to rename the program the "Doc's Kids Optimist Shoe Project" as suggested by staff that used to work for him at his veterinary clinic in Sikeston.

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