Michael Morgan (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Michael Richard Morgan, son of Richard Sterling and Helen Elizabeth Hunziker Morgan, was born February 8, 1955, in Modesto, California. He departed this life Thursday, June 21, 2012, in his home near Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of fifty-seven years, four months, and thirteen days.
On April 30, 1988, he was united in marriage to Kathy Jo Pearson, and to this union two daughters were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant brother.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Kathy, of the home; two daughters, Kelly and Kristen Morgan, both of the home; a twin sister, Marianne Doll, and her husband, Ronald D., of Edwardsville, Illinois; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
He was raised in Springfield, Missouri and graduated from Kickapoo High School in 1973. Mike earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southwest Missouri State University, now Missouri State University. He worked his way through college as a musician and comedian at Silver Dollar City, and played music with many friends and at many venues during his life.
Mike taught biology at School of the Osage during the 1977-78 school year, and then opened Morgan Music in a small building in Interstate Shopping Center. He initially lived in the back room of the store. Morgan Music flourished, and before long Mike was handling some of the best brands of instruments and sound systems on the market. He sold instruments, instrument supplies, music, provided a location for private lessons, provided instrument repair, designed and installed sound systems, and made many lasting friendships through his business. By 1984, Morgan Music had outgrown its building, and, in 1986, a new store was built at the corner of Highway Five and Washington Street.
During the 1980s, Mike met Kathy Jo Pearson, and, following their marriage in 1988, they made a life together and were blessed with two daughters, who became the light of Mike’s life. At the age of fifty-four, Mike was diagnosed with cancer, and he received a liver transplant on April 10, 2010. As a transplant recipient, he actively encouraged others to be organ donors.
Mike was raised in the Presbyterian Church. He was a longtime member of the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce. In his spare time he enjoyed farming, reading, and, of course, playing music. He loved his family dearly and especially enjoyed having time with his wife and daughters.
Mike was a loving husband, father, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and will fondly remember him as a devoted family man, a dedicated businessman, a talented musician, and a good friend to many.
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