John Morgan

(From Knell Mortuary)

John B. Morgan, 76, Carthage, Missouri, left his earthly body on Monday, November 22, 2021 and was immediately in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

John was born December 13, 1944 in Iola, Kansas to Harry B. Morgan and June A. Barker Morgan. His family moved often and made homes wherever there was work, for a time even following the Wheat Harvest each summer. These frequent moves gave him the desire to establish a home and make it his home for life which he succeeded in, purchasing a home south of Jasper, MO in 1966 and remaining there until his death.

At 15 years of age, John became the man of the house when his dad passed away. Later, alongside his stepfather, Ted Moxley and best friend Roger Frey, they worked on ABC Ambulances doing both mechanic and body work. Over the next few years, he worked for Colaw’s Standard Station, filling gas, washing windows and checking oil; and Metcalf Garage doing mechanic work. Following graduation from Carthage High School in 1962, he went to work for Grundy’s, sanding cars; then for Lounis Body Shop until it’s closure. In 1968, John opened his own business, John Morgan Body Shop, painting his first car, a 1941 Ford. His quality was well known in the four-state area and his expertise was not limited. Over the years he repaired and painted everything from classic cars, tractors, buses, recreational vehicles, UPS trucks, bathtubs, sculptures by local artists and the list goes on and on.

He married Connie Baker in 1975. Together they raised three daughters, Geneia, Lynn and Angela. John enjoyed loading up his family in the truck camper and taking them on vacation each summer, usually to someplace that was educational and part of American history. He enjoyed going to Steam Engine shows and Tractor Pulls and had an immense love of Southern Gospel music, following the Gospel Lads as well as many other groups and serving as a board member at KNEO radio for many years.

John was well known and well loved. He and Connie both gave their lives to Jesus after they were married and John led his family to church each week. He had a strong work ethic and was a man known for his integrity.

Survivors include three daughters, Geneia Morgan; Lynn Ratley and husband Scott; and Angela Morgan, all of Joplin, MO; three sisters, Susan Elkins, Joplin, MO; DavEtta Hooper, Springdale, AR; and Kathy Clifton and husband, Rick, Jasper, MO; a brother, Charles Moxley, Raytown, MO; three grandchildren, Chasity Ashworth, Jonathon Ashworth and Jordan Case; and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his dad, mom and stepfather, and a brother Gerald Morgan.

Services will be held at 10 am, Friday, December 3, 2021 at Forest Park Church, Joplin Missouri, in the main sanctuary. Burial will follow the service in Paradise Cemetery, Jasper, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm, Thursday, December 2, 2021 in the Knell Mortuary Chapel, Carthage, Missouri. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.