- Date Of Birth: November 16, 1933
- Date Of Death: January 29, 2020
- State: Illinois
Donald “Don” Morgan, age 86, of Salem, Illinois passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at Crossroads Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Don was a lifelong farmer and rancher.
He was a member of the New Bethel Presbyterian Church, the Marion County Fair Board, Marion County Extension Council, Founding Member of the Heart of American Hereford Association, and member of the Illinois and American Hereford Associations. Over the years Don was inducted into the Illinois Hereford Association Hall of Fame and most recently the family was named Illinois Breeder of the Year. Don grew up on the family farm and the only time he was away from it was when he served time in the Army.
He loved the farm and his cattle. He started showing Hereford cattle in 1946. His passion with the cattle started at an early age and continued all his life. Don “The Legend”, as he was referred to by some, will be fondly remembered by all his cattle friends.
Don was born November 16, 1933 in Salem, Illinois, the son of Herschel and Edna (Phillips) Morgan. He was the youngest of 7 children, and the only son. He married Jane (Thomas) Morgan on May 29, 1959 at the Romine Presbyterian Church in Salem. They began their life together on the family farm and lived in the same home Don was born and raised. They were married 60 years and in those 60 years there were very few times they were apart. They had their squabbles, but were each other’s best friend. They built a new home on the family farm and often said “If you could build a house together you could stay together”. Don and Jane are the parents of 2 children: Ric and Lisa. Don was a devoted family man. He loved his family and was always there when needed. His passion for cattle was passed down to his children and the friendships made through the cattle industry are still treasured today.
Survivors include his wife, Jane, his son Ric Morgan (Kim) of Salem, daughter Lisa Babbs (Kevin) of Salem, 2 granddaughters: Megan Klier (Jared) of Iuka and Miranda Buss (Brian) of Downs, IL. Other survivors include his great grandchildren: Matthew Thompson, Addy Klier, Greysen Klier, Morgan Klier, and Abrianna Buss. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Herschel and Edna Morgan and his 6 sisters: Lila, Charlton, Velma Gaston, Mabel Gaston, Juanita Cantrell, Avaline Jones and Erma Jean Morris.
