Morris R. Driver

Morris R. Driver, 87, of Pampa, died March 7, 2016 in Amarillo. Services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Central Baptist Church, with Rev. Norman Rushing, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mr. Driver was born July 14, 1928 in Erath County, Texas to Joseph and Clarice Driver. He attended and graduated from a one room school house where he played basketball. He met Christeen Robinson on a double date, and they were married in a double wedding on February 2, 1951 in Meridian, Mississippi. Shortly after, he joined the U. S. Air Force where he was stationed in Germany. Morris loved the Lord and was a member of Key Heights Baptist Church in Perryton where he was ordained as a deacon and was a charter member. He served as a deacon at First Southern Baptist Church in Lamar, Colorado. After moving to Pampa, he served as a member of Highland Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, and finally at Central Baptist Church. He worked in the oil and gas industry where he was employed at Diamond Shamrock, first as a driller, then a gauger and then promoted to supervisor, retiring in 1990 with over 30 years of service. While working at Diamond Shamrock, he learned to fly a plane and received his private pilot’s license. He flew over all the company pipelines that included the panhandle and on south to Abilene. He loved to grow vegetables, and even grew butter beans from seeds brought from Mississippi. He enjoyed canning, and his specialty was pickled squash. He could name all the various types of pecan trees. He also loved the outdoors where he particularly liked to fish, golf, and hunt. Through his love of golf, he and several others helped start Hidden Hills Golf Course. Survivors include his wife, Christeen Driver of the home; two daughters, Christie Jackson and husband Tommy of Amarillo, and Labrenda Koch and husband Greg of Perryton; two granddaughters, Tara Hiltbrunner of Amarillo, and Jessica Morin and husband Mitch of Addison; numerous nieces and nephews. Morris was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and five sisters, one of whom was his twin. The family will receive friends from 5:00-6:30 PM Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Memorials may be made to Snak-Pak for Kids, 701 Park Place Ave. Amarillo, Texas 79101.