Carlton Morris

Memorial services for Carlton Ray Morris, 85, of Harker Heights, will be held at 3:00 p.m. on February 19, 2017 in the Lea Ledger Fine Arts Auditorium at Copperas Cove High School.

Carlton Morris died on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at a local hospital.

Mr. Morris was born in Decatur, Alabama on August 2, 1931 to David W. Morris and Viola Morris. He was the youngest of five siblings. He graduated from Decatur High School where he was an outstanding band student. He was a scholarship student to Interlochen National Music Camp. He studied trombone with Siguard Swensen (First Trombonist with the Chicago Symphony), as well as voice at the New England Conservatory with Fredric Jagel (former tenor with the Metropolitan Opera).

His professional career included a tour of duty as an Air Force Bandsman, various teaching positions and service in the US Army, which included a tour in Viet Nam where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his work with the Fourth Infantry Division Band. He achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2.

When he returned from Viet Nam, Mr. Morris was stationed at Fort Hood. He led the 2nd Armored Band at a ceremony to dedicate the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park near Johnson City.

Following his discharge in 1971, he embarked on a business career with another veteran. Initially in the food service trade, he parlayed that into the music business with the Band Room, a three-store chain serving bands in Central Texas since 1976. In 1978 Mr. Morris founded The Heights Concert Band, an adult, volunteer organization that has provided free public concerts for thirty nine years.

The Band Room would like to thank everyone for their support and especially the nursing staff at Baylor Scott and White Hospital for their outstanding care.

Interment will occur at the Central Texas State Veteran Cemetery in Killeen at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 23.

Arrangements are in the care of Harper-Talasek Funeral Home. You may sign the online register book at www.harpertalasek.com.

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