John R. Morgan's Obituary
John Robert Morgan was born on November 22, 1932 in Dallas, TX to John David “Johnny” Morgan (1913 – 1983) and Mary Martha Wagner (1917 – 1990). When John Robert, as he was called, was about 3 years old, his parents separated and his mother lived in Chicago for a time (eventually returning to Dallas). In about 1935, Johnny married Patsy Aileen Smith (1918 – 1980). Johnny and Patsy raised John Robert, as well as, for many years, John Robert’s cousin, George Larry Morgan (1932 – 1996). Throughout their lives, John Robert and Larry were very close, not unlike brothers. John Robert lived in a number of places, including Texarkana, North Dallas and Oak Cliff, but he always spoke fondly of time he spent living with his grandmother, Jewell “Nanny” (Sequin) Morgan (1883 – 1973), in a house across the street from what is now Old City Park in downtown Dallas. He also valued his time spent at Texas Military College in Terrell, TX, where he honed his skill as a printer, and at Crozier Tech in Dallas. (In his later years, he was an active member of the Crozier Tech Alumni Association.) When John Robert was 17, he lied about his age in order to join the U.S. Navy. Later, he joined the U.S. Army, treasuring his time spent stationed in Heidelberg, Germany and eventually retiring from the U.S. Army Reserve as a Master Sergeant. He loved sports, particularly football, spending 20 years as a coach and Board member in the Garland Pee Wee Football Association. Prior to his years coaching football, however, he played baseball with some friends on the team for Grace Lutheran Church in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas. One day while attending worship services at Grace and passing out bulletins, he saw a beautiful young lady walk in with her mother. He greeted her with “Good morning, Sunshine.” He asked his friend, who he did not realize was dating the beautiful young lady, who she was. His friend told him that her name was Beverly Sexton and added that he would not be interested in going out with her. John Robert responded that he would not only go out with her, but that he would marry her. On November 25, 1955, he and Beverly Ann Sexton (1935) were joined in marriage at the same Grace Lutheran Church. (Note: Since 1963, John Robert bemoaned the fact that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on his birthday and buried on his anniversary, a tragedy that would be relived in the media on each of John Robert’s subsequent birthdays.) In his early years with Beverly, John Robert worked as a printer at the Dallas Morning News. For many years, though, he was in business with his father. Together, they owned and operated Automation Printing on Illinois Avenue in the Deep Ellum area of Dallas. After his father retired in the late 1970s, John Robert was presented with an opportunity to make a career change. While attending East Texas State University in Greenville, TX to attain his teaching certification, he began teaching printing trades at Duncanville High School. In 1980, he accepted a teaching position in North Garland High School. He loved teaching and remained in contact with many of his students throughout the rest of his life. John and Beverly moved to Garland, TX in 1958 and joined Peace Lutheran Church. This church became an integral part of their lives. John enjoyed serving throughout the remainder of his life as a faithful leader in this congregation. He loved the Lord and loved serving Him in that place. On September 29, 2015, John went to be his Lord. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, and a family, of which he was very proud: three children (John Robert Jr. “Bobby” and his wife Cindy; Karen Sue and her husband Larry Rogers; and, David Wayne and his wife Sheri); six grandchildren (John Robert III, Ashley Lorraine Garrison, Bryan Wesley, Evan Matthew Rogers, Daniel Isaac, and Jesse David) and three great-grandchildren (John Robert IV, Austin Matthew Garrison, and James Christopher Garrison). “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16 Family will receive friends on Thursday, October 1, 2015 from 6:00-8:00PM at Restland Funeral Home. Burial will be held Friday, October 2, 2015 at 11:00AM at DFW National Cemetery. Memorial Service will be held Friday, October 2, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Peace Lutheran Chruch of Garland. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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