He was preceded in death by his mother and father Audrey Brickwede and Richard G. Morgan; stepfather Jack B. Haus; and sister Dale Haus Waldoch.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Betty Lou Morgan; his brother in law and sister in law Tom Petty and Carole Petty; nephew Dax Petty (Lindsay); and great nephews Christopher and Parker Petty; brother in law Doug Waldoch and niece Emily Waldoch and other loving family members and friends.
Celebration of life will be held at Montgomery United Methodist Church on Monday, June 29th, at 3:00 p.m.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Dick graduated with honors from Lamar High School before graduating from Princeton University. He remained an active and devoted alumnus throughout his life, serving as a class president, reunion chairman for 41 years, and interviewer for prospective Princeton students. A proud Tiger through and through, he proudly “bled orange and black.” His presence filled a room, yet what defined him most was not his stature, but his boundless capacity for connection.
Dick earned his law degree from The University of Texas School of Law in 1969. He began his legal career in Washington, D.C., serving as an advisor to Commissioner Lawrence O’Connor before entering private practice with O’Conner and Hannan. He later became a partner with Lane & Mittendorf and later Shook Hardy & Bacon. When Shook, Hardy & Bacon expanded to Houston, Dick returned home and continued his distinguished legal career, as managing partner.
A highly respected attorney, Dick specialized in energy law, energy transactions, litigation, and oil and gas matters. He was admitted to practice law in Texas, Minnesota, and 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dick embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. One of his greatest passions was traveling the world with his beloved wife, Betty Lou. Together they enjoyed countless cruises—more than fifty by some estimates—creating cherished memories around the globe. He loved the music, entertainment, dancing, and camaraderie that cruise travel offered. In his younger years, he was also an avid tennis player.
Dick was deeply committed to service and community. He volunteered his talents through singing and entertaining at charitable events in both Houston and Washington, D.C.
After retiring in 2005, Dick and Betty Lou moved to Bentwater in Montgomery, Texas. Soon afterward, he joined Montgomery United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir and became actively involved in church life. He also loved participating in multiple fundraising events as a member of the Amen Chorus of Bentwater.
Dick was larger than life. A nickname he acquired at Princeton, “Tiny,” has followed him the remainder of his life . He was witty, colorful, outgoing, and full of humor. He was a gifted storyteller, an enthusiastic debater, an avid reader, and a theater and singing enthusiast. Above all, he was a loyal husband, cherished friend, and generous spirit whose enthusiasm for life touched everyone who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Choir Department of Montgomery United Methodist Church, 22548 TX-105, Montgomery, Texas 77356, or to a charity of your choice.
Dick Morgan will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives he enriched.
He loved all friends with outrageous enthusiasm.
