GENE MORGAN

1922 - 2010

Gene Morgan Sept. 12, 1922 - Mar. 5, 2010 Former Livermore Resident Gene Morgan died on March 5th at his home in La Quinta, California, with his wife Isabel and his children at his side. Memorial services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on the corner of 4th and L streets in Livermore at 2:00 PM on Sunday, 21 March. Gene was born in Cambria, Illinois on September 12, 1922. He often talked about his exceptional and happy childhood with his loving parents, Silas Ervin and Ruby Morgan, and his sister Doris. He was a good student and active in sports. He always had an interest in airplanes and decided to join the Navy after the outbreak of World War II. Gene signed up for the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in 1942 and started his active duty Naval Aviation training in 1943. Gene was assigned to a number of colleges and Naval Air Stations where he received extensive academic, military and flight training. He was commissioned as a Navy Ensign and received his Navy wings of gold at Corpus Christi, Texas. After various active duty assignments, Gene was assigned to an F6F Hellcat squadron at Livermore Naval Air Station. It was on October 13th, 1945, that he met the love of his life, Isabel Bonne. It was love at first sight for both Isabel and Gene and they were married on December 9th. Gene finished his Naval active duty in 1947. He then started to work for his in laws, Al and Emma Bonne, as a dry cleaner in their commercial laundry on Second Street in Livermore. That same year saw the birth of their son, Michael. In 1948 daughter Chris was born, followed by daughters Cindy and Monica in later years. Gene continued to fly in the Naval Reserve and retired as a Lieutenant Commander in 1982. During his career as a Naval Aviator he piloted many of the Navy's best planes, including the Hellcat, FM2 Wildcat, F4U Corsair, TV-1 jet fighter, F2F Banshee, S2F Tracker, and various others. Gene was a terrific husband and father and always wanted the best for his family. In order to improve the family's financial situation, Gene started selling life insurance in the evenings. In 1953 he founded E. E. "Gene" Morgan Insurance Agency, which has been located for the last 45 years at the corner of 4th and L Streets. He worked hard, along with his wife and business partner, Isabel, to make the business one of the most successful insurance offices in the East Bay. Gene's son, Mike, joined the agency in 1979. In addition to his success in business, Gene has been active in Community affairs and politics. He was a member of many civic organizations, was a past president of the Livermore Chamber of Commerce and served as a director of the Livermore Area Recreation and Parks District for 10 years, including a term as President of the Board. Gene and Isabel enjoyed traveling and visited countries all over the world. During his business and community careers, Gene received many awards and lots of recognition for his achievements, but his family and valued clients always came first. Upon retirement, Gene and Isabel eventually located in the Palm Springs area and lived for the last four years in La Quinta. He enjoyed the warmer climates and he and Isabel were active tennis players. They remained very much in love for all of their 64 years of married life, and they shared together the grief of the loss of their wonderful daughter Cindy at age 16. Gene is survived by his wife Isabel, his daughters Chris (Bob) and Monica (Bill), his son Michael (Nancy), and his grandchildren Christine, Morgan, Melissa, Meredith and Michelle. Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on the corner of Fourth and L Streets in Livermore on Sunday, 21 March at 2:00 PM. Donations in Gene's memory can be made to the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore or your favorite charity.