John Victor Morrow, 56, passed away on December 12, 2021. John was born on August 30,1965 to Edwin and Mary (Rice) Morrow at Clinton Sherman Air Force Base in Oklahoma. John was the fourth child, joining Kathy, Patty and Ed Jr.
John’s father was in the Air Force which meant the family moved quite a bit while John was very young. Eventually, they settled in Great Falls, Montana in 1970 where John attended school and graduated from CMR. While attending high school John worked at the Burger Master in Great Falls.
John attended National College in Rapid City, South Dakota where he became known as “Flash” by his college buddies. He graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science Degree Accounting/Computer Information Systems.
John went to work for Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in Ohio before returning to Montana and working for the State of Montana, Department of Revenue for over 19 years. John was very passionate about work. Never met a challenge that he couldn’t handle. He loved to help everyone regardless of the task. You could always depend on John when you needed help. While working for DOR he met his future wife (Lynda Poepping), who gave him three strikes when introduced. He kept pursuing and eventually they got together and have been together for over 13 years. After being engaged for 5 years; they were finally married.
He loved to work and play hard. Always had some joke or antic that he played on someone, coming up with odd names for himself and his friends. He would fist bump or high five those passing him in the hall at work. He was always full of piss and vinegar which made everyone feel acknowledged and appreciated.
His hobbies included playing darts, bowling, golf, pool, and music. John loved all types of music and has a huge collection of CD’s and LP’s. He loved NASCAR and was able to attend Daytona 500 to see his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt. His favorite footfall team was the Pittsburg Steelers.
John is survived by his wife, Lynda; his sisters Kathy (Mark) Babb of Rigby, Idaho and Patty Morrow of Wasilla, Alaska and his brother Ed Morrow of Great Falls, Montana. His niece Amanda (Elliott) Rolle and their children Elliott and Jediah. His nephew Aaron (Allison) Babb and their children Gabriel, Autumn and Kahlan. Also survived by Father and mother-in-law, John and Joyce Yager. Brother and sister-in-law, K. J. and Amanda Poepping and their children Treyton and Alexis Poepping.
John is preceded in death by his parents. Also preceded in death by Father and mother-in-law, Richard and Barbara Poepping.
We would like to thank all the nurses at ST. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center and Hospice for being there for all of us. You all are truly wonderful.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 22, 2021
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday December 22, 2021
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Rd
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following Burial
Wednesday December 22, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 22, 2021
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday December 22, 2021
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Rd
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following Burial
Wednesday December 22, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Share
Dave Chapman says
Flash, you will be missed. You, Denny and I had too many good times at National College to count! Rest In Peace old friend!
Bart A Brower says
Flash, My old friend you and your antics will be missed. I will never forget the good times in college we definitely left our mark on Rapid City! I will always remember the great philosopher who deemed me Bartbit!
RIP my friend!
John DeYonge says
My good friend Flash you will be missed, time and distance caused us to drift apart but the pain still stings of knowing I will not be receiving a late night call to discuss our antics of our college days or hear what you have planned, my thoughts and prayers are with your family and the hope they can find some peace.
Kevin and Margaret Kauska says
My dear friend and colleague – it has been a great pleasure working with you for the past 20 years. We are heartbroken. DOR is not the same without you, your legacy will live on in our memories. Rest well my friend.
Glen Bogner says
John(Flash) has been my friend since mid 1980s. We have been through a lot for all these years from the time I helped move him back to Montana when he said “that truck and trailer is really long to drive”. He was very generous and flew me back to Ohio. Had great times from playing darts, pool and just having fun. He loved music with largest personal collection of CDs in the 100s. Lots of great memories. Will definitely be missed.
Jason Che says
I remember us talking about cuetec and viking. You whooping me in pool. In the 4.5 years we worked together I remember you as one of the nicest guys I’ve met. You really care about people and your job as a civil servant. You will be missed.
Carmen Kurushima says
John, you will be missed. I had the pleasure of calling him my colleague at DOR. He was a great team member. He was always ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work and always keeping team morale up with his antics and the occasional DQ treat. He was a fine man and I am so sad that he is no longer with us.
Lorilee Sorenson says
To family and friends, may God’s love heal your sorrow. To John, eternal rest grant unto you. Thank you for being my friend , many wonderful college memories.
Gene Walborn says
So sorry to hear about John. John was an incredible co-worker. He took on every challenge that came his way, always giving more than we could every ask for. Truly a great guy. Rest in peace friend.
Tim Bottenfield says
John was a gentle soul and was always seeking ways to please those he worked with. He brought value to the workplace every day! I count it a great privilege to have been one of his colleagues for a short time in Montana. His wit, playfulness, and caring attitude will be greatly missed. A loss for all of us…
Randy Hoag says
John, I was able to get to know you while playing pool over the years. You were a true gentleman and understood that the game of pool was not all about winning and losing, but more about the fun times we had along the way. I really enjoyed the games we played against each other my friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Jennifer Williams says
My heart broke today when I heard the news I would not be seeing your smiling face. Thank you John for your patience with me when I was learning the technical side of things at work. You always had such a big smile every time I saw you. Your stories were endless and always made me laugh. Although I didn’t know you long…you will always have a place in my heart. Thank you for being such an amazing human being! Be free my friend!
Susan Rogge says
Lynda and family, I am truly sorry to hear of John’s passing. Sending my condolences and praying for God to comfort you in this time of loss.
Sandy Lang says
I was sadden to hear the news of John’s passing. Truly a great guy. I enjoyed working with him over several years at DOR. He was my go to guy, and always took care of what I needed. Lynda and family, sending love and prayers. Rest in peace John.
Shane Echo says
I am greatly saddened by the passing of my good friend John. John and I have known each other for almost twenty years and I will miss him very much. John always had a smile on his face and loved to joke around. If he was up to something and said something off color, he would look at you with this devilish look and say “What?!” or “I help”. You just could not help but laugh. A truer friend I can honestly say I do not have. John was always willing to help and listen. A very giving soul, was John Morrow.
David Hinrichsen says
My condolences. John, Ed, and I met while working together at Burger Master. He and Ed were good friends to me, l have lots of good memories from those days. Over the years we stayed friends, and when John moved back to Mt. He would travel to Great Falls almost every weekend, just to go out and paint the town with me. Good memories, but great stories! God’s speed my friend, big hug to Ed. I’m back in GF, look me up bud.
Russ Trasky says
John handled me and my computer needs with kid gloves, and always treated me with kindness. Cheers John
Bill Jarocki says
We can all go forward keeping in mind John’s kindness and desire to make everyone around him feel like they were the most important. Thank you John Morrow.
Carissa Vogl says
I am so very sad to learn of this news. John and I played leagues together on the same team for several years and he was always so full of life. Our team went to Vegas one year and John and I and a few others went to the Titanic exhibit. He and I were walking around observing and there was a “button” next to a necklace that was enclosed in a box of artifacts. Well, of course I just HAD to push it (hahaha!!!)…setting the security alarms off throughout the entire Titanic exhibit and John laughed so hard I thought he was going to pee his pants because everyone had to cover their ears the alarm was so loud. We had such a great time…always, even at leagues. John was always so positive, full of laughter and joy and continuously had a smile on his face and his presence made everyone else feel the same! The world definitely lost an amazing person. I am so very sorry to all his family…my sincere, deepest condolences to you all. John will be forever missed.
Ted Polette says
This news of John’s passing is so sad. He was a sprinkler customer of mine and always greeted me with a smile and some words of wisdom. He will be missed by all that knew him. My heart goes out to all of John’s family and friends.