Grant D. Morgan

He was born on June 22, 1942, the 6th child of Andrew and Ella Marie Morgan (Graham) in Peoria, Illinois.

A curious student and mathematical “wiz” who enjoyed tinkering with electronics, Grant attended Manual High School. Later, he received an associate degree, in Liberal Arts, from City College of New York while fully employed as a Telephone Lineman at New York Bell (which would later be known as NYNEX/Verizon). Over the course of his career there, he rose through the ranks, to become an Area Operations Manager. He was employed by Verizon for over 30 years before his retirement in 2010.

After he retired, he returned to Peoria and became involved in his family church – Bethel United Methodist Church. He believed in Servant Leadership and was active in the Bethel Men’s Group, Bible Study Groups, Adopt-A-Block and the Meals on Wheels Program. All with a servant's heart for seniors and shut-ins.

He was known to be outgoing and loquacious, which was accented by his quick wit and hearty laugh. His love of sweets was well known, and he could often be found snacking on pecans, ginger snaps and apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. He loved to shoot pool with family and friends and was an avid fan of all types of sports including golf, basketball, football and horse racing. He enjoyed Tom Clancy novels and television programs (like “24” and the original "NCIS"), epic science fiction ("The Hobbit," "Avatar" and "Star Trek") and most Westerns like "The Rifleman," "Bonanza," "Gunsmoke," and "The Unforgiven."

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Andrew Morgan, John Graham, Jesse Morgan and Clifford Morgan Sr. and his sisters, Josephine (Morgan) Smith, Flora Mae Jackson (Graham) and Fannie (Morgan) Crawford.

He is cherished and survived by his daughters: Nina Morgan, Greta (Steve) Smiewec, both of Peoria, IL. Tina (Stratton) Taylor of Killeen, TX, grandson: Steven (Charlene) McCraney Jr. of Irving, TX, and a great-granddaughter, Emily McCraney. His brothers: Donelly and Garland "Cecil" Morgan, his sister Roberta Morgan, all of Peoria, IL, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life officiated by Rev. Tyson T. Parks III on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church, 210 North Richard Pryor Place in Peoria, Il. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service, and Mr. Morgan will be laid to rest at Parkview Cemetery, at 2021 North University Street, Peoria, IL 61604 following the service. Words of comfort may be shared at Davison-Fulton.com