Morris Francis Gant, Sr., 89, of Lexington Park, MD, died on November 8, 2011 at St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD, with his loving family by his side. Morris was born on August 1, 1922 in Charles County, MD, where he spent his early years.

Morris was the son of Alice Woodland and Lawrence Gant. He had 5 brothers and 5 sisters. He also had half brothers and sisters.

Mr. Gant attended school in Malcolm, Maryland, and as time moved on, he worked various jobs. He was a very hard working man and later became a devoted father of five children. As a single father, he cared for, raised and loved his children.

Mr. Gant's home was always open to family and friends. He shared good times by having parties and preparing his egg nog. People would come from everywhere to get some. He loved to cook. He would get up at the crack of dawn on Sunday's to prepare breakfast for his children. They could always awake to the smell of pork chops and gravy and his Sunday morning smile.

Mr. Gant was a very kind, loving, caring and generous man. He was also known to many as "Pop".

He also had a love for animals. He started working at Tidewater Veterinarian Hospital, which he helped to build. When it was complete, he started working there as a Veterinarian's Assistant. Mr. Gant worked there for over 50 years. While working there, he met various people and was later given the nickname "Deacon". Anyone who came to the Veterinarian Hospital would get to know him. He was a very kind and caring man. They looked for him and would ask for him by name to take care of their animals.

Dr. Virts and Dr. Little knew they could call on him morning, noon or night and he was always on hand. He could be entertaining guests at his home, but whenever Dr. Virts or Dr. Little asked for his help, in any capacity, he would help with no questions asked.

Mr. Gant is survived by his five children, Patricia Ann Gant-Thomas, Alice Gant, Morris Francis Gant, Jr., James Gant (wife Mary), and June Gant (companion Joe Wells), 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A.