Milford B Morgan

MORTON ~ Milford B. Morgan, 91, of 204 Magnolia Avenue, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at 8:11 a.m. Sunday, April 11, 2010 at his residence.Born August 29, 1918 to David A. and Emma M. (Buhrmann) Morgan in Taylorville, ILHe graduated from Taylorville Township High School in 1936 and then from the University of Illinois at Urbana with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1940.  He then worked for Allis Chalmers in Springfield from 1940 until 1942.  He then enlisted in the Air Force in 1942 and served until 1946. He proudly served, as an Engineering Officer with the 98th Squadron, 440th Group, assigned to the European Air Force Command.  After returning, he then began his career at Caterpillar in East Peoria.  He retired from Caterpillar after 32 years of service. He married his loving wife, Eva Mae Wells, on February 12, 1943 in New Haven, CT.  She died December 18, 2009 in Morton.  He also was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and William and one sister, Martha.Settling in Pekin in 1945, they raised three children who also survive, David (Linda) Morgan of Trinidad, TX, Linda (Robert) Wright of Toledo, OH and Ken (Denise) Morgan of Morton; six grandchildren, Dana (Jim) Ridner of Temperance, MI, Robyn (Jason) Klare of Newcastle, WA, Scott Morgan of Dallas, TX, Gregg (Veronica) Morgan of Austin, TX, Blake Morgan and Ian (Rachel) Morgan, both of Pekin and eight great-grandchildren.  He also leaves one sister, Margaret Soice of Heyworth, IL and one sister-in-law, Doris Morgan of Taylorville.While living in Pekin, the Morgan's were members of the First United Methodist Church.Together, Eva and Milford enjoyed a life that included devotion to family, extensive travel within the United States and a pleasant retirement in Hot Springs, AR.  The Morgan's returned to East Peoria in 1996 residing at Riverview Senior Living Community and then moving to Morton.  Milford enjoyed golfing and woodworking.  He was completely devoted to his wife.He will be deeply missed by his loving family.His funeral will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  The Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour before the funeral.  Private burial with military rites will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois, 640 North LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60654 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.