Obituary for Eldon Francis Morgan
Eldon Francis Morgan, 96, a lifelong resident of Alamosa, began his heavenly journey on Saturday, 13 November 2021. He was a resident for the last six months at Brookdale Monument Valley Park, an assisted living center in Colorado Springs, CO.
Eldon was born 23 September, 1925 in Alamosa to parents Lawrence and Nettie (Valentine) Morgan. He attended grade school in Nortonville until the family moved to Sanford. Eldon graduated from Sanford High School in May 1944 and enlisted in the Navy 6 July to begin his basic training in Couer d’Alene Idaho. He was a Fireman First Class on the USS James C. Ownes, a destroyer. The ship escorted battleships around Okinawa, Japan and participated in various battles in the East China Sea and Pacific during World War II.
Eldon was discharged from the Navy 4 June 1946 in Newport, R.I. Eldon met the love of his life, Laura Williams, at a roller skating rink in New York City in April 1946 . He took Laura to her high school Senior Prom in June 1946 and left the next day on a train to Alamosa. Laura followed him to Alamosa in late July and they were married 22 November, 1946.
Eldon hired out on the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in October 1946 as a Fireman. He worked 42 years as a Fireman, and later as Engineer, on all operating Narrow Gauge and standard lines based out of Alamosa until his retirement in 1988. He was Chairman of the local UTU for 25 years. At the D&RGW retirement dinner for retires, Eldon was described as, “One Hell of an Engineer” with an impeccable safety record.
Eldon was a World War II Veteran and wore his hat proudly. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion.
Eldon is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He loved serving others and would often ask, “How Can I Help You?” Or “What Can I Do For You?”. He served faithfully in various callings. He visited and ministered to many widows, widowers and families. He and Laura loved genealogy and his mind was a treasure of stories of individuals in the Valley. His talks in church included personal stories of Christlike service, love for motherhood and the importance of family.
Son, Husband, Father, Grandpa, Grandpa Great, Brother, Uncle and “Friend to All” describe Eldon.
Eldon is survived by his sisters Illa Williams, Bountiful, UT & Barbara Jean (Ronald) Atwood Farmington UT. Children Patricia (Blake) Dunn of Bristol, CO. Bill (Kathy) Morgan of Tampa Bay FL. Elliot (Debbie) Morgan of Del Valle, TX and Bruce (Loralee) Morgan of Colorado Springs CO.
He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren along with nieces, nephews and cousins.
Eldon was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Laura, sisters Genevieve Davis, Donna Daniels along with an infant brother Johnny Harold Morgan.
A viewing will be held from 6-8 pm Friday November 19, 2021 at the Rogers Family Mortuary, 205 State Ave, Alamosa CO. Memorial/Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday December 4 at 10:30 am in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints chapel, 927 Weber Dr, Alamosa CO. A private family and close friend’s Graveside Service will be held. Arrangements by Rogers Family Mortuary Alamosa. To express condolences, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com.
Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa is in care of the arrangements.
Eldon was born 23 September, 1925 in Alamosa to parents Lawrence and Nettie (Valentine) Morgan. He attended grade school in Nortonville until the family moved to Sanford. Eldon graduated from Sanford High School in May 1944 and enlisted in the Navy 6 July to begin his basic training in Couer d’Alene Idaho. He was a Fireman First Class on the USS James C. Ownes, a destroyer. The ship escorted battleships around Okinawa, Japan and participated in various battles in the East China Sea and Pacific during World War II.
Eldon was discharged from the Navy 4 June 1946 in Newport, R.I. Eldon met the love of his life, Laura Williams, at a roller skating rink in New York City in April 1946 . He took Laura to her high school Senior Prom in June 1946 and left the next day on a train to Alamosa. Laura followed him to Alamosa in late July and they were married 22 November, 1946.
Eldon hired out on the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in October 1946 as a Fireman. He worked 42 years as a Fireman, and later as Engineer, on all operating Narrow Gauge and standard lines based out of Alamosa until his retirement in 1988. He was Chairman of the local UTU for 25 years. At the D&RGW retirement dinner for retires, Eldon was described as, “One Hell of an Engineer” with an impeccable safety record.
Eldon was a World War II Veteran and wore his hat proudly. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion.
Eldon is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He loved serving others and would often ask, “How Can I Help You?” Or “What Can I Do For You?”. He served faithfully in various callings. He visited and ministered to many widows, widowers and families. He and Laura loved genealogy and his mind was a treasure of stories of individuals in the Valley. His talks in church included personal stories of Christlike service, love for motherhood and the importance of family.
Son, Husband, Father, Grandpa, Grandpa Great, Brother, Uncle and “Friend to All” describe Eldon.
Eldon is survived by his sisters Illa Williams, Bountiful, UT & Barbara Jean (Ronald) Atwood Farmington UT. Children Patricia (Blake) Dunn of Bristol, CO. Bill (Kathy) Morgan of Tampa Bay FL. Elliot (Debbie) Morgan of Del Valle, TX and Bruce (Loralee) Morgan of Colorado Springs CO.
He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren along with nieces, nephews and cousins.
Eldon was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Laura, sisters Genevieve Davis, Donna Daniels along with an infant brother Johnny Harold Morgan.
A viewing will be held from 6-8 pm Friday November 19, 2021 at the Rogers Family Mortuary, 205 State Ave, Alamosa CO. Memorial/Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday December 4 at 10:30 am in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints chapel, 927 Weber Dr, Alamosa CO. A private family and close friend’s Graveside Service will be held. Arrangements by Rogers Family Mortuary Alamosa. To express condolences, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com.
Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa is in care of the arrangements.