William E Morgan

William E. Morgan, of Crosby Township, passed away on May 14, 2021 at the age of 84.  Bill was born on August 11, 1936 at home in North Bend, Ohio to Robert J. Morgan and Florence M. (nee Holzhause) Morgan.  His family moved to Montfort Heights and he went to Western Hills High School and graduated in 1955. During grade school he played baseball and football, however when he was in high school, he switched sports to Swimming and Diving.  His love of the water got him a job as a lifeguard for a 4H Girl’s camp, and he had many admirers. However, he had his eye on a young lady, Shirlee Pape, and they became high school sweethearts. After high school, Bill attended Miami University for a year and transferred to University of Cincinnati.  Also, while in college he was in the Army National Guard Reserves for 4 years.  

If you did not know Bill the best way to describe him was a Mountain man.  He loved muzzle loading guns, hunting, trapping, horseback riding and canoeing. Many of these he did with family.  Rabbit hunting with his son and grandsons with his prized beagles or traveling with his wife to Costa Rica to see family; or sharing his love of horses and canoeing on family trips.  Bill was also very active in the Harrison 4-H horse club with his two daughters, Kelly, her horse Vandy and Kittrena and our pony Princess.  He took them to the shows in his horse trailer, helped them  train for the 4-H horse shows which they entered  in the 1970’s.  Lasting friendships were made with the other parents. Bill also enjoyed History and artifacts.  This became known in the community, and he and several others were tasked with finding a old log cabin to move to Crosby Township.  They found one, and with some help dismantled it and brought it back to Crosby Township then rebuilt it for the Crosby Township Historical Society.  Today it sits by the Fire House and is filled with artifacts that he contributed to as well.  Helping the community and being part of it was always important to Bill.  He loved driving his Triumph in parades or you might have seen him marching with his historic gear on.  Bill also started many of the “Reindeer Romps”, in Crosby Township, with the shooting of his cannon.  He loved to learn about local history and on many visits to see his daughter in Hawaii he learned a lot about the history of the islands and always enjoyed the family visits.  Bill was also an active member in the National Muzzle Loading Association, Odd Fellows Lodge 140, and life member of the Crosby Township Historical Society.

In the early years of Bill’s working career, he worked for American Book Co and was in charge of the transport division.  After building many connections and seeing the ability to create a company he and a partner joined forces and started Voyager Transportation and he was co-owner and president for 25 years.  

Bill left many memories with his family especially his wife of 63 years, Shirlee (nee Pape) Morgan; dear children: Kellene (Stewart) Doty, Kittrena Morgan, and William “Bill” II (Mary) Morgan; cherished grandchildren: Leilani (James) Chan, G Kai Dimond, Jessica Doty, J. Parker Morgan, Will Morgan & Noah Morgan; beloved great grandchildren: Eloise & Zoey Moana Chan.  He is also survived by his sister Patricia (Michael) Dooley; sister-in-law: Mary Lou Morgan and Gloria Marlatt; brother-in-law: Kenneth Sullivan and many nieces, nephews and extended family. 

Bill was preceded in death by his brothers: Robert W. (June) Morgan, James H. Morgan, Richard T. Morgan; sister: Sandra L. Sullivan; brother-in-law: Jeryl Marlatt.  

A Gathering of friends will be held on Saturday, MAY 29, 2021 from 10 am until the time of the funeral service at 11AM at Miami Whitewater United Methodist Church.   

Memorials are requested to Crosby Township Historical Society or Miami Whitewater UMC.  This can be done at the service, or you can mail your donation (made payable to charity named above) to Brater Winter Funeral Home, 201 S. Vine Street, Harrison, OH 45030. 

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