Robert Andrew Morgan (Bob), 79, of Willis, TX passed away on February 7, 2022, in Willis after a long fought illness. He battled for life until the very end while surrounded by cherished family members.
Born in Kirbyville, Texas, on October 30, 1942, Robert grew up in Orange, Texas, graduated from Lutcher-Stark High School, and still frequented Stark High Class of 1960 reunions. Robert graduated from North Texas State University and went on to receive his doctorate degree from Cornell University in Ithaca New York. He began his teaching career as a professor at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio and then taught at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. He ultimately retired after a 25 year career as a tenured Professor at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. While at Southwestern University, he spent most of those years as the Chairman of the Biology Department passionately teaching undergraduate students. As witnessed by the outpouring of letters and affection at his retirement, Robert was a positive influence on so many of his students’ lives and instrumental in advising many students for medical school.
He is survived by his beloved wife Sondra Morgan. Robert began dating Sondra, the love of his life, in the eighth grade, and they shared 59 years of marriage. He is also survived by his three sons; Bob Morgan, Todd Morgan and wife Kimberly, and Sid Morgan and wife Kelley; grandchildren, Bobby Morgan and wife Jennifer, Kirstie Morgan, Molly Morgan, and Mia Morgan; great grandchildren, Peyton, Ava, and Ellie. He is also survived by his younger sister Elaine Oldbury and husband Burdette and his younger brother Bill Wilkinson and wife Billie. Robert and Sondra were always very close with Elaine and Bill and enjoyed watching all his nieces and nephews grow up; Brent Oldbury, Brad Oldbury, Corey Oldbury, Carrie Oldbury Wyble, Katie Wilkinson Delapasse, Karlie Wilkinson, and Keith Wilkinson.
He was preceded in death by his father Robert Julian Morgan who died serving his country on March 3, 1945 and a recipient of the Bronze Star U.S. Army, mother Lucy Margarette Morgan Wilkinson Warren, and step-father W.N. Wilkinson.
Robert was always known for his love of family, his passion for fishing, and his wonderful storytelling ability. Robert always had a joke to share and appreciated a good pun.
A graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m., February 10, 2022 at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange, Texas.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Bob Morgan, Sid Morgan, Bobby Morgan, Todd Morgan, Bill Wilkinson and Burdette Oldbury.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to The Wounded Warrior Project.
Condolences
Vicente Villa
February 24, 2022
My most sincere condolences to the Morgan family. I’m grateful to have Bob as a friend and colleague. Bob had a encyclopedic mind and a wonderful sense of humor. May he Rest In Peace.
Catherine Meshew
February 11, 2022
Dr. Morgan always had a funny story to link to the concepts he taught us. He was a kind man and wonderful teacher. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing and am praying for peace for his family.
Anonymous
February 9, 2022
Loving Lilies and Roses Bouquet was purchased for the family of Robert Andrew Morgan.
Anonymous
February 9, 2022
Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Robert Andrew Morgan.
Sherry Martinez
February 9, 2022
Sherry Martinez purchased the Emerald Garden Basket for the family of Robert Andrew Morgan.
Laura Gerlinger Gatlin
February 8, 2022
Dr. Morgan could light up a room with his smile no matter the mood. I met Dr. Morgan at Southwestern in 1991 when I started working here. He always used kind words and made you feel like you were the only one in the room when talking to you. I remember seeing him and Dr. Purdy together on many occasions. I'm certain the two are fishing together somewhere and laughing up a storm. My condolences to the entire family as I understand the pain and grief you are feeling. He was a wonderful man! Laura Gerlinger Gatlin
Maria Kruger
February 8, 2022
Dr. Morgan was one of my faculty members for my first-year Biology course over 30 years ago. He had a wonderful sense of humor that I appreciated and it was because of his jokes and gift for teaching that I have never forgotten some of the concepts he taught us. My thoughts are with his family and friends who loved him. He truly was a one-of-a-kind.
Sharon Lundgren
February 8, 2022
Dr Morgan was funny and I enjoyed taking a special class with him one summer. I participated in a joint biology psychology trip to the Pacific Northwest with Dr Morgan and Dr Purdy for a study of flora and fauna. trip was curtailed by an accident, it was a great time with a wonderful set of professors who truly cared about their students. I am so sorry to hear of Dr Morgan’s passing.
Mary Ford Duplantis
February 7, 2022
Mary Ford Duplantis lit a candle in memory of Robert Andrew Morgan
Pete And Nancy Zenner
February 7, 2022
Our sincere condolences to you and your family, Sondra. We fondly remember your family during your time living in Georgetown. May Bob Rest In Peace. Pete and Nancy Zenner
Anonymous
February 7, 2022
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Robert Andrew Morgan.
Marylou Bojdak
February 7, 2022
Sondra, my thoughts and prayers are with you, Todd, Kimberly, Bob, Sid, Kelly and the rest of your family.. May Robert Rest in Peace!!!
Bill Wilkinson
February 7, 2022
I am so blessed to have had a big-brother like Robert; he made me so proud for my entire life. He was always the smartest and toughest guy in the room, yet never acted that way. He always put others’ needs before his own and never complained of his mounting ailments. He leaves a void in so many lives in so many ways. Bill Wilkinson