George "Dean" Morgensen

March 24, 1926 – May 9, 2020

George “Dean” Morgensen passed peacefully from this earth to be with his Lord and Savior on May 9 at the age of 94. He was an only child born to DJ and Kathryn Grozier Morgensen in Chickasha, Oklahoma. The family soon moved to Memphis, Texas where he attended school and lived there until he returned to Oklahoma to attend college. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Civil Engineering. While at OU, Dean was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, and as an Engineering student was a member of St. Pat’s Council, Editor of the Shamrock news publication and “LKOT” Loyal Knights of Old Trusty – member #276. LKOT membership was a secret organization of engineering students guarding members’ identity until graduation. The selective group was responsible for the safeguarding and firing Old Trusty the canon in the early morning of select engineering events. Membership was granted for outstanding work in connection with engineering activities.

After graduation, Dean was commissioned as a Lieutenant of the US Navy, serving on the USS Montpelier during World War II. He remained in the Navy until his retirement in 1988. Upon completing his active duty in the Navy, he returned to Oklahoma City and founded Morgensen Lumber along with his father DJ. Together they completed many construction projects in Oklahoma and Texas.

In 1950, Dean married Martiena Robberson and together they had three children. Dean was active in the Boy Scouts of America for many years leading his sons’ troops. He was a long time District Commissioner and High Adventure Leader for Troop #92 of Oklahoma City. He twice led scouts to the National Jamboree in Virginia, Troop #92 to complete their 50-mile hike on the Appalachian trail and taught countless scouts the skills and art of canoeing on Oklahoma lakes and rivers. He was a teaching instructor of Wood Badge, Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow, and recipient of the Silver Beaver Award.

God brought Bunnie (Wilson) and Dean together and they married in 1981. They spent 33 years together, happy, as “BCD” Bunnie, Christ and Dean until her passing in 2014. Together they traveled throughout the country always taking the back roads to see the best of America. They were active in many camping groups including Red Bud Sams, Faith Campers and FMCA, Happy OK Wanderers, Escapees, Birds of a Feather Red Cross chapter and Okie Bagos. RV campouts often included bringing their grandchildren along. Most of their trips included service projects to the community or campground, including building and renovating churches, or volunteering in soup kitchens. At age 78, Dean along with Bunnie began volunteering with the American Red Cross. Their ERV #2092 (emergency response vehicle) became a new love of theirs. They not only provided meals to victims and first responders, but always offered a prayer of kind word of encouragement. Their passion kept them serving as was the main motivation as they served those in need. Traveling on the “Spirit Ship” and with the Red Cross they traveled to all 50 states as well and Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Together they volunteered on over 20 Red Cross trips in 10 years to serve those in need who were the victims of wildfires, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Dean loved to garden and always had a yard full of flowers and plants. He fed the birds and squirrels and got great joy in watching them from his windows. He was an artist and could often be found sketching on a napkin or scratch paper. He took art classes at Rose State for fun, loving to sketch landscapes and buildings. He was known by all the librarians at his local library where he visited often. His love of travel kept him taking cruises with Randy and his grandchildren even at the age of 90. He kept busy in life and fun, never one to stay complacent.

Friends and family time were spent playing cards, dominos and wahoo. He hosted game nights with his church and Red Cross friends. Family celebrations always included time for a playing a game (or two or three). His gaming antics are carried on with pride by his children and grandchildren.

Most of all, Dean loved the Lord. He was active in his church, Faith Tabernacle until last year, attending his Sunday school and Church services every week. He shared prayers with many and praised God for his blessings in life. Anyone who knew Dean knew his friendly nature. He gave hugs rather than handshakes and lovingly knew no strangers.

Dean was proceeded in death by his parents, wife Bunnie, and three stepchildren. He is survived by his son Randy and wife Brenda Morgensen of Edmond, grandchildren Andrew, Chris and Alana Morgensen, son and two grandsons of Las Vegas, NV a daughter of Edmond, OK and many extended family members.

The family would like to thank special friends Jesse and Verna Kirkham for their frequent visits and “golf games” with Dean, Teal Creek Assisted Living and Physicians Choice Hospice staff for their love and care of our father. In his own words, Dean wanted us to rejoice in understanding that he was “going to meet my Lord”.

Visitation will be held 8am – 8pm, Thursday, May 14 at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper. Funeral services will be held Friday 1:00 p.m., May 15 in the Cornerstone Room at OKC Faith Church, 800 S Portland, Oklahoma City, OK, with internment at Rose Hill following. Services can be live streamed through OKC Faith Church Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross or Faith Church, Oklahoma City, OK.

For those of you that cannot attend services or graveside we ask that you stop and smell a flower, enjoy the beauty of a landscape or look to heaven and smile in honor of Dean.