Ron L Morgan

Born October 2, 1939 to Robert K. and Ruth (McGee) Morgan in Bloomington, he was raised by Robert and Letha Morgan in Mackinaw. He married Sandy Waddell on April 19, 1980 in Pekin; she survives and was true to the marriage vows to the lord, in sickness and in health, as wife, friend and caretaker.

Also surviving are one daughter, Kim (Perry) Montgomery of Pekin; two sons, Lee (Sara) Morgan of Pekin and Dr. Luke Morgan of College Station, TX; five grandchildren; one great-grandson; sister, Jean Ann Noll of Morton; one brother, Bill (Sally) Morgan of California and one step-son, Kameron (Margie) Carver of Pekin, extended siblings include sister Tonya (Barry) Cross and brothers, Marc and Steve Romero, all of whom reside in Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Chuck (Charlie Bob) Morgan and Jerry Dale Morgan.

Ron proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1958-1962, in the classified communications sector, while stationed in Germany.

For over 30 years, Ron worked as a welder at Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria. During his last decade of service, he was chosen as an instructor for the welding program at Caterpillar, than retiring in 1995. He was one of the first certified welders in Tazewell County, as most people in the county knew he was the “welder” to get the job done at Morgan Welding. Everyone came for the service, but stayed for the conversation at the shop, as he had the skill that was unmatched and the “personality” that was completely enjoyable.

In the later years, Ron had great enjoyment by going to auctions with friends, to get parts or just a great deal on any antique hit & miss engines. He enjoyed restoring, repainting and haggling over the antique hit & miss engines, while spending time at his shop with family and friends.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2015 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pekin, where Ron was a member. The Rev. Daniel Bishop will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Additional visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be at Gaines Cemetery in Minier. Military rites will be provided by the United States Air Force.

Memorial contribution may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 711 Court St., Pekin, IL 61554 or Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 3201 Court St., Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com