Benny Morgan

Benny Dean Morgan, 78, of Cape Girardeau passed away Sunday, June 25, 2023, at Capetown Senior Living.

He was born Oct. 30, 1944, in Cape Girardeau, the son of William "Bill" Sr. and Marjorie Lou Murphy Morgan.

Benny was a 1963 graduate of Advance (Missouri) High School. During his high school years, he was president of the student council and an All-State basketball player for the Advance Hornets. In January 2023, Benny and his 1961 varsity Hornet teammates were inducted into the Advance High School Hall of Fame.

Throughout his teen years, he often helped work at his family business, Morgan Funeral Home in Advance.

Benny earned a basketball scholarship to Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. He earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Southeast Missouri State University in 1967. While at SEMO, he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Later, he went on to earn a master's degree in microbiology from the University of Mississippi -- "Ole Miss" -- in Oxford.

Benny proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve for six years. During this time, he became a drill sergeant at Fort Polk in Vernon Parish, Louisiana.

He retired after a 30-year career as a scientist with Abbott Laboratories. Often his career required traveling the country and abroad.

Benny was a lifelong student of history and geography. He was known for his vast knowledge of geography. He was an enthusiastic world traveler, who enjoyed telling stories about his journeys.

Always with a smile on his face, Benny had a kind and gentle demeanor. He was a loving and supportive father and protective and idolized big brother.

Survivors include his son, Travis (Mackenzie) Morgan of Cedar Hill, Texas; a daughter, Christina (Aaron) Jackman of Las Vegas; two brothers, William "Bill" (Joan) Morgan Jr. of Cape Girardeau and Ford (Aly) Morgan of Fleming Island, Florida; two sisters, Mia Lou (Michael) Morge of Sharpsburg, Georgia, and Tiffany Morgan Deimund of Boerne, Texas; stepmother, Joy Morgan of Okeechobee, Florida; stepfather, Lester Abner of Bloomfield, Missouri; a grandson; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and friends.

Benny was preceded in death his father, William "Bill" Morgan Sr.; his mother, Marjorie Lou Abner; and his biological father, Paul Dean Smith, who tragically died in a work accident in 1946.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff and residents of Capetown Senior Living for the love and care they gave Benny.

A visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, at the chapel, with the Rev. Eric Shrum officiating. Burial will follow at Morgan Memorial Park in Advance.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Stoddard County Children's Home, P.O. Box 164, Dexter, MO 63841.