M. Kenneth “Ken” Morgan, son of John “Jack” & Ethel Morgan was born in Dwight, KS on May 18, 1922. He passed away on Tuesday, Oct 21, 2014 at the Good Shepard Hospice House in Manhattan, KS. He was 92 years young.
Ken married Betty Louise Ek on August 26, 1951 and together, they had three children. He is survived by his wife of 63 years and their three children, Bradley (Francie) Morgan of Salina, KS, Todd Morgan of Saipan, Marianas Pacific, and Laura (Gary) Evans of Rockford, IL. Additionally, surviving him are two grandsons: Trey (Sarah) Evans of Las Vegas, NV and Todd Evans of Rockford, IL and one great grandson: Kashton Evans, of Las Vegas, NV.
His parents preceded him in death as well as siblings Wayne “Windy” (Donna Lee) Olson, Calvin (Elinor) Morgan, Bette Ann (“Milt”) Anderson, & Carolyn Boeh. Ken’s surviving sibling is Keith (Doris) Morgan, Dwight, KS. In addition, Robert “Bob” Boeh is a surviving brother-in-law.
After graduating from Dwight Rural High School, Ken volunteered and served in the U.S. Navy from January 16, 1942 to October 31, 1945. Ken was a Radio Man, Second Class who served on the USS Keokuk (mine layer and net layer cruiser). The USS Keokuk earned 6 Battle Stars including mine laying operations into Casablanca (December 1942) and Sicily (July 1943), as well net laying missions into Saipan (June 1944), Palaui Island (Sept 1944), Iwo Jima (Feb1945) and Okinawa (Mar 1945).
Upon returning from the Navy, Ken went into the Mobil service station business for 18 years. In 1964 Ken was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson as the Dwight Postmaster where he served for 32 years, until his retirement in 1996.
Ken was a very active member of the Dwight community. Among the many activities Ken served included 69 years in both the Dwight American Legion Post 289 (33 years as the adjutant) and the VFW Post 1786, 60 years as a volunteer fireman (22 years as the Fire Chief), 40 years in the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 65 years in the Dwight Masonic Lodge (35 years as the Treasurer), 14 years as a member of the Dwight City Council, & 10 years as the treasurer of the Dwight Alumni Association. In addition, Ken was a life-time member of the ISIS Shriners International in Salina, KS and served as an American Legion youth baseball coach. One activity he enjoyed was his volunteer time spent reading to the Dwight Grade School students.
Memorial donations may be made to the following groups and organizations: Good Shepard Hospice House in Manhattan, KS, the Shriner’s Children Hospital, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Dwight Community Development Corporation. They may be sent in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.