Stephen Richard Morgan

Steve was born in a small house in East Millcreek, Utah on June 22, 1921 to Orrin Porter Morgan and Verena Clayton.  He died on October 21, 2013 after a brief hospital stay.

He might have been the best husband, father, soldier and friend in the world (as if anyone could truly know that), but he was certainly more than anyone could hope for and much more than this world deserved.  

Growing up, Steve helped with the family farm, and his grandfather's beekeeping business.  He got his first paying job when he was 13 years old working at the Royal Dairy.  Every morning before he went to school at South High, he delivered milk to Federal Heights and the west side of Salt Lake.

He met a redheaded beauty named Fontella Isbell and on March 11th, 1939 they eloped at the age of 17.  Their two-week honeymoon was spent in a tent in Millcreek Canyon.  Since they had no car, Steve's mother dropped them off and picked them up.

Though he was loath to talk of it, Steve's actions and service in the U.S. Army during World War II were nothing short of heroic.  As a 20 year old young man he fought hand-to-hand in the brutal battles of the South Pacific Islands while his beloved wife and two tiny children were home in Utah.  Steve would not share this horrific part of his life with anyone.  The reality of his role in the war was drawn out in snippets gleaned from cryptic, self-effacing comments over many years. 

Upon returning home, he moved his young family from the city to Emigration Canyon where they were residents for over 45 years.  He wisely felt the canyon was a better place to raise a family.  Steve worked hard all his life.  He delivered ice, worked and owned a dairy and even helped formulate the recipe for soft ice cream in Salt Lake.  He worked at Chicago Bridge and Iron working in steel fabrication where he took an early retirement to care for his wife, Fontella, who suffered from severe arthritis.  Steve was a gentle caretaker for many years and did this with compassion and love.

Steve was tall, almost regal in his countenance.  His softly spoken words were sparse, well chosen and compelling.  His thoughts, when he chose to share them, were witty, insightful, and intelligent and carried no judgment. 

Steve liked to live a simple life, but was anything but simple.  He had a keen intellect and could converse about any subject.  He found his sense of joy and harmony in nature and hiked the Wasatch well into his 80s.  Later in life, Steve lived at the mouth of Emigration Canyon where he could still see the beauty of nature and hear the coyote's howl.  We would like to thank Applegate In-Home care who helped him keep his independence which was very important to him. 

Steve is survived by his children Judy Jolly (Ben Jolly, deceased) of SLC, Stephen Richard Morgan Jr. (Darlene) of Bigfork Montana, Melody Morgan (John Dallimore) of SLC; 7 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren; and siblings DeMar Morgan and Dixie Covington. He was preceded in death by his wife Fontella Morgan; brothers Don G. Morgan, and Ernest Morgan; and three grandsons Jeff, Todd, and Joshua.

In keeping with his wishes, Steve was cremated. 

A tribute to his life will be held on Monday, October 28^th from 6 to 8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, where complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building.

In lieu of flowers, do something simple…. smile at someone today.