A group of friends of a former Kansas University quarterback gathered Monday for the dedication of a tree that grows in his memory a short pass down the hill from the Campanile.
The memory of Duane Morris, who died in December, lives on in the form of the shammard red oak that now stands 16 feet tall and is expected to grow taller than 60 feet and live longer than 100 years.
John Hadl remembered more than his old teammate’s ability on the football field.
“He was the best handyman in history,” Hadl told the gathering that included Morris’ wife, Judy, granddaughter of Phog Allen. “Any time I had a problem, I’d call him first. I called him so much he grew tired of that and wouldn’t come over anymore. Nobody loved KU more than Duane.”
After the minister who led the group in prayer was introduced, former KU football coach Don Fambrough said, “He’s my preacher too and he cleaned up my language.”
At that instant, the bells from the Campanile began ringing, perhaps to let the old coach know he’d been caught fibbing.
“Leaders aren’t all guys who are screaming and jumping around all the time,” Fambrough said. “I had the chance to be around three great leaders. I was fortunate to play with Ray Evans, and I coached John Hadl and Duane Morris. They were leaders by action.”
Former KU and major league left-handed pitcher Larry Miller, Morris’ roommate in college, donated the funds for the tree planting and maintenance.
