Oscar Zanthanese Morrison was born on Friday, November 13, 1925 in Hannibal, Missouri. He was born as the son of James Morrison and Rubie Estell, both of whom preceded him in death. He departed this life in comfort on July 30, 2015 and was called by his Creator from labor to reward while resting peacefully at Ravenwood Assisted Living in Springfield, Missouri. Mr. Morrison was first educated in the public schools of Hannibal, Missouri and completed his high school education in Neosho, Missouri, where he had re-located with his mother and step-father, Elder H. C. Campbell. Along with his classmate, Margaret Louise Hutchinson, he was a 1942 graduate of Lincoln School in Neosho. He continued his education at Lincoln University before joining the United States Army in 1944, wherein he earned the honor we now acknowledge as being a proud veteran of World War II. It was in 1946 that Oscar recognized the true love of his life and on August 18, he was united in holy matrimony to Margaret L. Hutchinson. They began their life together in Neosho. He remained a loving, caring and faithful husband for nearly 69 years. This union was blessed in 1959 with the birth of their only child, Karl Douglas of Indianapolis, Indiana. Zant, as he was known by many, learned of his need for salvation and professed a hope in Christ at an early age. After relocating to Springfield in 1946, the Morrisons united with the Washington Avenue Baptist Church. He loved his church and had a special devotion to it. Over the years, he served in various capacities, such as Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee Board Chairman, Pulpit Committee Chairman, Choir President and most recently, Honorary Deacon. He was truly a Christian gentleman. Also active in the community, he served on the board of Directors for the Lester E. Cox Medical Center and the Good Samaritan Boy's Ranch. In his free time, he was an avid, well-traveled bowler who achieved several awards and honors. He also found pleasure in the outdoor activities of fishing, hunting and tennis. A strong provider, Oscar loved and worked very hard for his family. After years of working for Hamilton Insurance Co., Harry Cooper Supply Co. and the John K. Hulston farm, he worked for Greene County as a very well-respected Youth Counselor. His final years of employment were spent as Chef for Burlington Northern Railroad, from which he retired in 1993. His experience as a Chef enhanced his reputation for having some of the best BBQ ribs for miles around. He enjoyed spending quality time with Karl, with whom he developed a very close relationship. Throughout Karl's adult life, they continued meeting at and attending sporting events, such as St. Louis Cardinals and Rams games and having great conversations wherein "Pop" would eagerly share his wealth of wisdom and knowledge. He also enjoyed the reactions he got from Miss Karla Gabrielle when upon seeing her, he would always sing "There She Is, Miss America!" Although God loved him most, Oscar Morrison had many who loved him and are left to cherish his memory including his wife, Margaret; a son, Karl and his wife, Deborah; a brother, George L. Green and his wife, Kathryn of Hannibal, Missouri; two granddaughters, Dyan Stewart (Tim) and Karla Gabrielle of Indianapolis; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Edward and Carolyn Payton of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and a sister-in-law, Wantha F. Hutchinson. Also included are two great-granddaughters, Ava and Zoe, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, special friends Richard and Karolyn Young, and James and Esma Thompson, countless friends and acquaintances. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2015 in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. The Homegoing service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 8, 2015 in Washington Avenue Baptist Church with a second visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the church. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2015 in Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Washington Avenue Baptist Church, 1722 South National, Springfield, MO 65803.