John R. Morgan

John R. Morgan, a long-time resident of Lockwood, Missouri, passed away in Columbia, Missouri, Thursday, September 5, 2024. 

John and his wife of 59 years, Lois, moved to Lockwood in the early ‘70s to take a principal position at the high school. He started his career in Rockport, Missouri as a math teacher and football coach after graduating from Northwest Missouri State University. He continued his educational career in many Iowa school systems upon completion of his master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

The couple enjoyed living in Lockwood for over four wonderful and blessed decades. 

During the first 20 years, John was a member of the school board, serving as president for many terms. He was also highly active in the enrichment of Lockwood youth. He strongly believed that every child should have the opportunity to participate and develop positive attitudes through athletics. He lived this belief by building and coaching many youth programs in basketball, baseball, softball, and track. He was most honored and proud to provide service and support for many young people in the Lockwood area.

John also had a very successful career as a school fundraiser in central and southwest Missouri. When not working, John could be found remodeling the family home, watching any football game on TV, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, attending MU football games, and most of all enjoying his horses. He raised several foals and loved trail riding with friends. 

He and Lois loved to travel and spent many miles pulling an RV over the highways of the United States. The couple spent 12 years “snow birding” in Apache Junction, Arizona.

John is survived by his loving family, wife Lois, and children Carrie, Cristi, and Bret and his wife Michelle. He and Lois enjoyed four grandchildren: Katie, her husband, Chris; Cody, Dylan, and Kendall. In 2023, John had the pleasure of welcoming his great granddaughter, Rowen, to the family.

John will be laid to rest in his boyhood home of Guthrie Center, Iowa. The family will celebrate his life privately at later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the Optimist Club to help support youth sports in the Lockwood area; please contact Jen Oeltjen at Arvest Bank.

Visit www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com/columbia to leave condolences.