ART AVAILABLE FROM YOUNGSTOWN

ART AVAILABLE FROM YOUNGSTOWN
His guide to long life: hard work, hot dogs and a little rye whiskey.
By ROGER G. SMITH
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Edward Morris eased into a chair on the loading dock of Gleaners Food Bank, a birthday cake to his right and well-wishers all around.
"I feel good," he said with a smile.
That's quite an accomplishment, considering Tuesday was his 103rd birthday.
Morris still drives his blue Chevrolet pickup to the food bank every week. He leans on a thin black cane and shuffles his feet a bit, but otherwise blends in with hundreds of other people who come to Gleaners for the weekly offerings.
Morris waits his turn, carries his own groceries and talks with the Gleaners regulars and the staff, said John Mitchell, a food bank volunteer the past three years.
"He doesn't want any favors. He's a pretty strong man," Mitchell said. "He's a really pleasant guy."
Seems years younger
Food bank staffers say Morris gets around more like someone in his 70s.
Joe Lordi was amazed when Morris reached 100. His client's demeanor amazes Lordi more.
"I see a calm and a peace. He doesn't get excited about anything," Lordi said. "He's just a beautiful man."
Morris drew a few hoots Tuesday for wearing a University of Iowa jacket; the Iowa Hawkeyes take on the Ohio State Buckeyes this weekend on the football field.
Morris was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on Oct. 14, 1900. He arrived in Youngstown from Norfolk, Va., on May 30, 1925, looking for work. A day later, he started work at Youngstown Sheet & amp; Tube Co.
Morris was born with the name Martarnic Morryies. His first paycheck from Sheet & amp; Tube, however, carried the name Martaine Morris. He needed the money so badly that he cashed the check anyway and stuck with the last name. Morris said he has used Edward as a first name as long as he can remember.
Morris said he did just about every job at the Sheet & amp; Tube coke plant. He retired as a machine operator after "47 years and three days," by his recollection.
Meantime, he fathered 13 sons and three daughters and has outlived five wives, friends say.
Sense of humor
Morris hasn't lost his sense of humor in the interim.
Somebody asked him Tuesday about his age. Morris said he was 39.
"How old did Jack Benny get?" he asked, referring to the perpetually 39-year-old entertainer.
Twoson Kimbrough lives two houses away from Morris and has known him for 35 years.
Morris stays young by keeping active, Kimbrough said. The company of women doesn't hurt either, Kimbrough said.
Morris reluctantly agrees, even if he adds 'don't put that' to his confirmation.
Hard work, hot dogs and a little rye whiskey have more to do with a long life than anything, he said.
Kimbrough will have to keep chasing his friend around. Morris has no plans to slow down.
"I ain't goin' nowhere. I'm going to wait until He come gets me," Morris said.
rgsmith@vindy.com