January 30, 1935 – January 1, 2023
Ben Morgan, family man, respected banker, and world traveler, died January 1, 2023, at home in downtown Austin. He was 87.
Ben was born January 30, 1935, in Austin, Texas, the first son of Benjamin Eugene Morgan and Eleanor Ruth Stewart Morgan.
He graduated from Austin High School in 1953, the University of Texas in 1958 with a BA in banking and finance, and from the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.
Ben served his country in the Texas Air National Guard and the Ready Reserve of the Continental Air Command, USAF.
Ben had a 42-year career in banking, serving as director and president of Community National/First State bank for 29 years. He retired as Vice Chairman of Wells Fargo in 1999 and served on the Wells Fargo Advisory Board until 2003.
He was inducted into the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame in 2022.
Ben was Director Emeritus of the Austin Symphony and served as Treasurer for many years. He also served as President of Child and Family Services and in various capacities with Rotary International, Optimist International, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, YMCA, Chambers of Commerce, and the American Cancer Society, among others.
More than anything, Ben was a survivor. He survived two bank robberies at gunpoint, a kidnapping plot, three worldwide financial crises, a grand jury subpoena from the Watergate Special Prosecutor, a heart attack, two quadruple bypasses, and six willful children he loved unconditionally.
A generous and warmhearted man, Ben was engaged in his children's and grandchildren's lives until the very end. He cherished his daily walks along Town Lake and time with his family in Austin, Sun Valley, Idaho, and the Texas Gulf Coast.
He is survived by LaRee Howell Morgan, his wife of 66 years; six children – Laura Morgan Honan (David), Rusty Morgan (Clare), Kerry Morgan (Ava), Kelton Morgan (Melissa), Jon Morgan (Dana), Jennifer Morgan Bishop (Manitou); brother Don Morgan (Elizabeth); 17 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 7, 11:00 am, at University Avenue Church of Christ, 1903 University Avenue. Donations in Ben's memory can be made to the American Cancer Society and the Austin Symphony.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Morgan family.
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