William Morgan Sr.

ADVANCE, Mo.-- William "Bill" Morgan Sr., 90, of Advance passed away Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014, at his home.

He was born Sept. 2, 1924, at Advance, the son of Lloyd S. and Kathryn Ford Morgan.

Big Bill, as he was known, was a 1941 graduate of Advance High School. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army. He was awarded two bronze stars and several other metals. After serving his country, he graduated from St. Louis School of Mortuary Science at Washington University.

His father, Lloyd Morgan, opened Morgan Funeral Home in 1929. Bill took over ownership and operating Morgan Funeral Home in 1952. He ran the business with his special touch until 1979. He had been a member of the Advance City Council, he helped organize and start Little League Baseball and Boy Scouts of America in Advance. He was very involved with all aspects of the community. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Bill and Joy Kennard were united in marriage and she survives of the home.

Survivors include his wife, Joy Morgan; three sons, Ben Morgan of Cape Girardeau, William "Bill" Morgan Jr. of Cape Girardeau and Ford Morgan of Orange Park, Florida; a daughter, Tiffany Deimund of Boerne, Texas; three stepdaughters, Debra Wise of Camdenton, Missouri, Donna Keller of Dexter, Missouri, and Candy Garska of Troy, Missouri; a stepson, Michael Kennard of Yakima, Washington; 18 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jack Morgan; and a sister, Patricia Strobel.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance.

A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday at the chapel with the Revs. Fred Ritter and Eric Shrum officiating. Burial will follow at Morgan Memorial Park in Advance, with full military rites.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stoddard County Children's Home.