William E. “Bill” Morgan
William E. “Bill” Morgan, 81, of Palmyra, Mo,, passed away at 10:38 AM, Monday, November 25, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.
Friends and family were invited to Bill’s Life Celebration at a visitation that was held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra. Reverend Steve Barker officiated. Burial with full Military Honors performed by Boots-Dickson Post #174 of the American Legion will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra.
William was born March 4, 1943, in St. Louis, Mo., to Jesse Morgan and Mary Mayberry Morgan. He was married to Carol Groce Morgan on September 1, 1973, in Quincy, IL. She survives.
Other survivors include his children, Kim (Rob) Wittler of Palmyra, MO, Billy Morgan and Denny Morgan, sisters, Nadine (Ronald) Young of Hannibal, Mo., Sue Morgan of Shelbina, Mo., and JoAnn Robertson of Palmyra, grandchildren, Billy Morgan, Samantha Morgan, Kayla (Trevor) Sparrow, Jesse Morgan, Thomas Morgan, Emma Wittler, and Tyler Wittler, great-grandchildren, Jacob, Mitchell, and Oliver Gene, and numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Maggie.
William was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Don and Lonnie Morgan, and father and mother in-law, Charles and Patsy Groce.
A proud Veteran of the US Navy, Bill’s dedication to his country was matched only by his commitment to his passions and the importance of family and friendships.
After serving his country, Bill embarked on a career at Gardner Denver, where he honed his skills before transitioning to body work at Neil Coleman. His love for precision and craftsmanship led him to Gem City College, where he mastered the art of watch, clock, and jewelry repair. Bill’s dexterity and attention to detail were evident in every piece he restored or created.
Bill’s interests were as intricate and varied as the clocks he cherished. He found joy in working on cars, particularly Oldsmobile’s, alongside his buddy Tim Uppinghouse. His shop was a sanctuary where he spent countless hours perfecting his crafts and expanding his impressive collections of cars and clocks. Bill and his wife Carol shared a love for car shows, often attending with their dear friends Scott and Sue Kelle and Mike and Bonnie Heimer.
An avid fisherman, Bill cherished the memories of fishing with his father, brothers, children, grandchildren, and his late friend Dale Storm. New Year’s Eve was always a highlight, celebrated with his late buddy Dan Felker. Bill’s legacy of joy and camaraderie lives on through the laughter-filled days he spent with all of his grandchildren over the years. Oliver Gene was a special part of Bill’s life over the last two and a half years.
Bill’s life was a testament to the beauty of pursuing one’s passions and the importance of friendship. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Pallbearers were Donnie Morgan, Terry Morgan, Steve Rush, Curt Rush, Bob Groce, and John Wittler.
Honorary pallbearers were Tyler Wittler, Trevor Sparrow, and Oliver Sparrow.
Memorial contributions may be made to Palmyra Presbyterian Church, Community Loving Care Hospice, or Wounded Warrior. HAWKINS THEATER 516 E. MAPLE, SHELBINA ■ 573-588-7600 Gift Certificates available at the box office and at Community State Bank in Shelbina MOVIE: PG-13 Dec. 6 & 7 Wicked Part One $6.00 PER TICKET Show begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 No Showing – Community Band