Grant Morgan

Grant W. Morgan, 97, of Independence, MO, was born on June 12, 1910, in Port Colbourne, Ontario, Canada to Joseph Grant and Laura May (Wilson) Morgan. His father worked for the Marlbank Ontario Cement Company. When Grant was 11 months old, his Dad moved the family to Independence to become Superintendent of the Missouri Portland Cement Company in Cement City, MO. Grant lived most of his life in Independence. He attended Gilpin School, St. Mary’s Academy, then on to William Chrisman High School. He played football for the Chrisman Bears. His high school team was undefeated. In 1929, Grant attended the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. He was captain of the freshman football team. Then he played varsity for several years. Returning to Independence, Grant got a job at a small Standard Oil station on Truman and N. River. He often told the amazing account of gas selling for seven cents a gallon. In 1940, the U.S. Engineers sent him to Alaska. When returning in the later forties, Grant began working for the Amoco Oil Company in Sugar Creek. He held this position for 36 years, 13 as foreman. Grant was a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church. He served as vestryman numerous years and was active in the Men’s Club. They met for a social evening once a month. However, the members actively engaged in renovating windows, doors and altar railings, and keeping up the appearance of the grounds. Their one big fundraiser was selling Christmas trees each winter. After retirement, Grant took painting lessons and his work was exhibited at the Blue Ridge Mall and Ward Parkway Mall on many occasions. He chose to give many of his paintings to relatives and friends. He loved nature and took many canoeing, fishing and horseback riding trips, especially in Missouri, Arkansas, Colorado and Montana. He was proud to say he had spent 60 years feeding the birds and squirrels on their acreage. He bought 100 lb. Bags of cracked corn, sunflower seed, wild birdseed, etc. at a time. And lots of suet for the woodpeckers. He was extremely happy when his nephew, William Grant Colter, began taking over these chores. (That’s when Grant moved to Regency Care Center where he made his home the last 8 years). Grant was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Enid of 62 years (1996); sister, Rena Morgan (2007); brother, George Morgan (2000); and two sister’s-in-law, Laura Morgan and Stella Fern Griggs Swalley (2007). He is survived by a sister, Marguerite (Peggy) Colter, niece, Sandra Aline Morgan; nephew, William Grant Colter; numerous cousins in Canada and Arizona; as well as other cherished loved ones and friends who visited him often. A visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 25, at the Carson-Speaks Chapel. The service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, at the Trinity Episcopal Church of Independence. Burial to follow at Mound Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to one of the following would be appreciated, Trinity Episcopal Church, 409 N. Liberty, Independence, MO 64050; Independence Animal Shelter, 875 Vista Drive, Indep., MO 64056; Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Rd, K.C., MO 64137; and Sugar Creek Civic Relief Fund, Sugar Creek, MO 64054.

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