Fredrick Charles Morris

Frederick Charles Morris, 73, of Casper, Wyoming passed away on November 22nd, 2024 in Casper, Wyoming. 

 Fred was born in Youngstown, Ohio to Robert and Alberta Morris on August 27th, 1951. Fred went to high school at Austintown Fitch High School in Austintown, Ohio. After graduating high school, Fred later went on to attend Youngstown State University. 

 Fred’s life in eastern Ohio led him to the growing and booming American steel business of the early 1970s. With his background in business and accounting, Fred blossomed as a sales representative for several companies throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Wisconsin. The peak of his sales career materialized with starting his own business, FCM and Associates, located in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. 

 As it has been well documented, Fred’s passion was marching music.

Fred’s genesis with the marching arts began with his membership with the Austintown Fitch Marching Band and The Warren Junior Military Band based in Warren, Ohio where he was both a member and instructor. Throughout those years, Fred developed a deep passion for drum and bugle corps. In the 1970s, Fred marched as a member of the Erie Thunderbirds and Reading Buccaneers, winning a Drum Corps Associates Championship in 1979.

 With passion and purpose in the mid 1980’s, Fred took his talents to the Bluecoats of Canton, Ohio where he would serve as a drumline instructor, a member of their merchandise leadership team, a board member, and ultimately, as a member of the Bluecoats Hall of Fame.

 There was no corps for which Fred felt more ardently passionate for than The Troopers of Casper, Wyoming. Dating back to the 1960’s, Fred traveled around the country for the love of this corps and the admiration of iconic director, Jim Jones. After its inactive state in 2006, Fred was tapped to lead The Troopers out of dormancy and back to the elite ranks of drum and bugle corps. In his time with the corps, Fred bred a champion spirit. He progressively led the corps back to the hallowed ranks of Drum Corps Internationals top twelve in 2009. Under his leadership, The Troopers became a world class competitor. In his time as director, Fred’s unique was his power to create relationships with people throughout the activity, and cultivate those connections into meaningful relationships. In his tenure at Troopers, Fred was named Drum Corps International Director of the Year, and was also selected for The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps Hall of Fame. 

 Fred is survived by his two sons, Jeffrey Morris of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey and John Morris of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his sister Marcia Remita of Girard Ohio, brother Bob Morris of Phoenix, Arizona, brother Mark Morris of Missoula, Montana, and devoted life partner Kelly Dombroski Baca of Dickinson, Texas.

 Fred’s true joy and pride stemmed from his three grandchildren Eleanor, Madison, and Jeffrey Jr. From a young age with his visits east to Pennsylvania and the Jersey Shore, he created memories which will be sustained through photos, stories, and laughter. As the grandchildren blossom in their high school years, and beyond, they will keep the memory of their grandfather close. “Grandpa Fred” was always one of their greatest supporters for each of them in their own endeavors. He will be missed by each of them deeply. 

 A celebration of life ceremony will be held at a later date. 

 The family wishes to extend their gratitude to those who have reached out, and kept Fred close to their heart. 

 In lieu of flowers, please donate to:

 Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps

℅ Fred Morris

1801 East E Street,

Casper, WY 82601