Kenneth W. Morgan

Kenneth William Morgan was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He kept life simple while at the same time working hard to make life good for his family. He was honorable in duty and honest in service to his country and community. Kens humor snuck up on people and made their laughter all the more delightful to his ears. Kens story began during the decade of the Roaring Twenties, when liquor prohibition gave rise to speakeasies and bootlegging and Flapper fashions invaded the social scene. Jazz was hot, Vaudeville was going strong, and the Grand Ole Opry began broadcasting on the radio. Yet the economic depression that closed out the decade also strengthened the character and determination of its citizens. Ken was born in June of 1925 and lived his entire life in the city of his birth, Muskegon, Michigan. His father and WWI veteran, Clarence W. Morgan, died at the early age of 43, but Ken retained a vivid memory of his father. At age 2, Ken had double pneumonia, and his dad boiled onions to make a paste to put on his chest. Whenever Ken smelled onions after that, he remembered what his father had done to help him get well. Kens mother, Alice S. (Peterson) Morgan, raised four children on her own: Donald, Ken, Barbra and Jacqueline. Ken attended Moon Elementary School and distinguished himself in 5th grade as having seen a UFO while walking to school. It was a memorable spotting even though the craft quickly disappeared behind a cloud. After graduating from Muskegon High School in 1943, Ken enlisted in the U.S. Navy and went to Chicago for boot camp. During active duty, he served in the Pacific Theater and was assigned to Tug Keosanqua, the last tug boat to run on steam power (newer ones were diesel powered). Ken proudly served his country and was honorably discharged with the thanks of a grateful nation. Ken married Maxine L Derby, and even though the marriage did not last, he was blessed with three children: Christine, Daniel and Larry. He liked being with his kids, especially when it came to grilling hamburgers and steaks for the family. He formed a close bond with his mother-in-law, Grandma Derby, so that even after the divorce she continued to watch the children while he was at work. Over time, Ken met Delores R. Walker through mutual friends and the two fell in love. When they married in 1976, Kens family grew to include four step children: Richard, Pam, Bill, and Jim. Because so many depended on him, Ken worked hard at Town Supply Company (later known as Grand Rapids Supply Company) for 19 years. At the same time, he co-owned, managed and ran the meat counter at the Cottage Food Shoppe (presently named Pic-n-Pac) store on Henry and Porter in Muskegon. Needless to say, he was a busy man. The nature of Kens business had made it impossible for him to take time off until he retired in 1990 on June 1just in time for vacation. He took full advantage of his freedom, traveling to Hawaii and the Caribbean Islands as well as to Florida and Albuquerque to visit his children. Ken also loved spending time with his grandchildren. Together they went on picnics, had sleepovers, and played cards and board games. Those fun times revealed Kens surprising sense of humor when he came up with unexpected one-liners. In 1995, Delores died and fifteen years later Ken was called home by the Lord. He died Monday morning, July 26, 2010, surrounded by his loving family. Many thanks to his stepdaughter Pam and husband Darrell for taking such great care of him. We'll miss you dad! Mr. Kenneth W. Morgan, age 85 of Norton Shores, Michigan is survived by 2 sons, Daniel Morgan of Muskegon, Larry (Nancy) Morgan of Albuquerque, NM; son-in-law, Terry Tarte of Tampa, FL; stepchildren, Rick (Sherry) Walker of Jonesborough, TN, Pam (Darrell) Wieten of Muskegon, Bill (Diana) Walker of Colorado Springs, CO, Jim (Karla) Walker of Eva, TN; 6 grandchildren, 6 step grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 2 step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 19 years, Delores; his only daughter, Christine Tarte; brother, Donald Morgan; sisters, Barbara Stenholm, Jacqueline Gibson. A service to celebrate Kens life will be held Friday, July 30, 2010, 11:00 AM at Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Ben Jansen officiating and Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. The family will receive guests Thursday, 6-9 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial contributions may be made to Muskegon County Council of Veterans.