As a child, Morgan went to Alexander Hamilton grade school, then to Fresno High School. He received his Bachelor of Science at Fresno State in 1952.
From the 1860's to 1960 the Blasingame family used the Sierra as summer range for their cattle. Morgan and his brother Knox drove the livestock up the mountains for days, then would care for the cattle through the season, then finally drive them home when the snow fell. It was a tough, hardworking way of life and years later, Morgan would joke that he had broken every bone in his body, "at least once or twice.".
Morgan served in the Army from 1952 to 1954. He said they pleaded with him to leave due to his continued practical jokes and pranks.
Morgan was married to Margaret and had two children, Marianne and Michael. They were divorced in 1982.
Aside from time at college and military, Morgan cared for the livestock and the Blasingame family ranch in Clovis, California his whole life. He was a 4th generation rancher.
Morgan was highly intelligent and had an intense curiosity in history and many esoteric things. Morgan became absorbed in any subject that interested him, searching out obscure publications and reading them in great depth.
In the late 1900's Morgan and his companion, Kate Clark Lowe, came to Pinedale, Wyoming to pasture his cattle. These later years of his life were golden and a blessing. Riding horseback among the aspens or fishing for trout, Morgan found that the beautiful Rocky Mountains brought back wonderful memories of his life in the Sierra.
Morgan's particular, lively storytelling can never be replaced or duplicated.
Morgan is survived by his daughter Marianne Blasingame; and his son Michael G. Blasingame; his grandchild Morgan Parker, his grandchild Levi Blasingame, his grandchild Rile Blasingame and his grandchild Arli Michael Blasingame; his brother Jesse Knox Blasingame Jr.; his companion Kate Lowe and many nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are Morgan Parker, Levi Blasingame, Rile Blasingame, Arli Blasingame, Curtis Blasingame and Reid Helsel.
A Memorial Service for Morgan will be held Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at The En T Em (The Fresno Sportsman Club), 10645 North Lanes Road, Fresno, California 93730.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Blasingame family.
