Jack Donald Morgan, 90, of Austin, passed away peacefully Monday, September 28, 2020, after a brief illness. Due to the pandemic, at this time there will be a family graveside service only (social distancing and masks required) at 2:30 p.m. Monday, October 5, in the Shiloh Cemetery. Arrangements by Cook-Walden Funeral Home.
Jack was born December 25, 1929, in Shiloh, Texas, to Walker and Mary Morgan. He graduated from Mexia High School and later attended Baylor University. A lifelong fan of the Bears, he became one of Baylor’s “Alumni By Choice” in 2012.
Jack proudly served in the Army during the Korean War. After working for International Paper, he joined the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in Waco in 1966. In 1972, he was promoted to Head Purchaser and transferred to TPWD Headquarters in Austin, where he worked until retiring in 1991. He later enjoyed organizing door prize drawings for the annual retiree get-togethers.
Jack was introduced to Melba Kornegay by mutual friends. After dating for about 7 years, Jack finally proposed (he was known for taking his time), and the two were married on November 22, 1963, a few hours after President Kennedy was assassinated. They were looking forward to celebrating 57 years of marriage this fall.
Jack and Melba had two daughters, Debra and Mary Beth. The family enjoyed vacationing with relatives, especially if fishing was involved (Jack kept a well-stocked tackle box). He and Mary Beth played many games of dominoes, and he and Debra traveled to Waco for Baylor baseball games. He supported “his girls” in their crafting hobby, helping to order supplies and accompanying them to craft shows, especially the annual Hillcrest Labor of Love show. He was a problem solver, often using his carpentry skills to make items for his family.
Jack loved the Lord and was a strong Christian influence. He was an active member of Hillcrest Baptist Church, serving as a teller and deacon. After his retirement from TPWD, he helped purchase supplies for the church (once a purchaser, always a purchaser). In 2015, Jack was honored to be named “Deacon Emeritus.”
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Walker and Mary Morgan; brothers, Murphy, Pete, and Bill; and sisters, Nell Eubanks and Mildred Fessler.
Jack loved his family and was loved by them. He is survived by his wife, Melba; his daughters, Debra and Mary Beth; his brother, Bob and wife Irene of Katy; and sister-in-law Bobbie Holman of Waco. He also leaves behind many much-loved nieces and nephews, many of whom he loved to spoil when they were kids; and many other family members and good friends. He had a great sense of humor, and truly was a man who “never met a stranger.”
Memorials may be made to the youth department of Hillcrest Baptist Church, 3838 Steck Ave., Austin, TX 78759; [email protected]; (512) 345-3771.
