Obituary of Joel Cleveland Morgan, Sr.

Joel Cleveland Morgan, Sr., peacefully passed away on the morning of January 2nd at his home in Benton, Louisiana. Joel was born on January 3, 1943 in Alliance, Nebraska and was the first child for Joel and Ilee (Foshee) Morgan, who would later give him a little sister, Judy.

From 1963 to 1967 he served in the US Air Force, during which he met Joyce Clark, who in 1967 became his wife. In their first home in Houma, Louisiana they raised three children: two sons, Joel Cleveland and Robert Nathan, and a little girl, Kristie Ann. In 1984 the family relocated to Benton, Louisiana, where Joel lived for the remainder of his days. Joel was responsible, intelligent, witty, fun-loving and hard working. He was affectionate, compassionate, loyal and generous. He had a genuine love of good conversation and appreciated excellent craftsmanship. Joel’s hobbies throughout his life were wide ranging: boxing, judo, hunting and fishing, golf, gardening, catfish farming, duck decoy carving, beekeeping, cooking, training and competing with bird dogs, making fishing lures, scuba diving and then finally, woodworking. Joel was an interesting and complex individual that was loved by many.

Because of the current pandemic and concerns for the health and safety of everyone, we, the Morgan family, are postponing any memorial services until such time as we may all gather together safely—perhaps this spring or summer. We will disclose details to friends and family as we formulate them— but anticipate a crawfish boil or barbecue at the house. Bring your favorite anecdotes (and perhaps a favorite photo) concerning Joel to share with us.

Joel is survived by his wife Joyce (Clark) Morgan (53 years married), his three children, seven grandchildren and six step-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Throughout his life he maintained close ties with numerous members of his extended family— cousins, in-laws, and former in-laws, as well as former service-mates, employers, co-workers and neighbors.

In closing, the folks below would like to express their thanks to Joel... His children and their spouses: Joel (Jr.) and Angela Morgan Robert and Carrie Morgan Kristie and James Harris “ Dad, thanks for always being our provider, supporter, guardian, and guide. Words can’t express how much we love you. Thanks for a full and fulfilling lifetime we shared with you. Wish you could have let us know you were taking the red-eye to the Great Beyond— we would’ve loved to hug your neck before you left. “ His grandchildren: Brandon Bradford Macy Morgan MacKenzie Morgan Hunter Morgan Ridley Morgan Aurelia Morgan Gabrielle Morgan —“ Thank you for your love, kindness, and gentle teachings. You will be missed, Pawpaw.”

In honor of Joel, we have committed to improve our health. We invite anyone who wishes to participate in (or just learn more about) the Joel Morgan 21 Challenge to contact any of Joel’s kids for details on this weight loss and exercise initiative, kicking off on January 21st and running for all of 2021. Our target is for participants to lose 21 pounds or 21 percent of their body weight, (whichever they feel is healthiest) and to keep it off for all of 2021. Any family and friends are invited below to add comments about Joel and thanks to Joel should they wish.