John Broaddus Jr.

John Morgan Broaddus, Jr. was a descendant of a pioneer El Paso family and third-generation West Texan, born on August 4, 1929. Morgan--or "Sonny" as his mother called him early in life or "Boom Pa" as his grandchildren called him later in life-graduated from El Paso High School in 1948. There, he was a fantastic football player, participated in varsity track, and was a member of the school's State Championship basketball team. Morgan received two athletic scholarships for football from the University of Texas at Austin and Texas Western College (now UTEP). True to his hometown, Morgan played for Texas Western where he lettered as a guard and linebacker and played with the Texas Western Sun Bowl Championship team in 1950. Morgan developed a love for history after spending much time in the high school library for detention. He earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in History from Texas Western College. He served in the Army from 1951 to 1953 with the 11th Airborne Division as a U.S. Army Instructor and parachutist and then for four more years in the Army Reserves. He was also the head coach and player of the Division-Artillery football team and was selected to the all-star team. After college, Morgan stayed athletic and enjoyed spending time outdoors. He loved to fish, was the second coach of the Texas Western College Golf team, won the City Handball Championship on several occasions, and made two holes-in-one, one of which he accomplished at age 71. He became a member of the History Department at Texas Western College in 1954 where he taught government and various American and Southwest history courses until he retired in 1991. Morgan's passion for history was evidenced in his thoughtful, detailed lectures that he recited from memory. He earned the admiration of all his students, many of whom remained in contact with him for decades. Morgan authored "The Legal Heritage of El Paso," which is regularly cited by legal scholars. In 1962, Morgan married the love of his life, Martha Lou, and was happiest when they were together. He is survived by his wife, Martha Lou, his four children, Morgan Broaddus III, Russell Broaddus, Randy Broaddus and Marla Broaddus and their spouses, and eight grandchildren who adore him. Morgan was a man of honesty and integrity with an amazing sense of humor and ability to tell stories. He will be most remembered for his steadfast dedication and love for his family. He was one-of-a-kind and will be missed more than we can express. The family would like to thank Envision Hospice and Sylvia and Valerie Sianez for the wonderful care provided. Contributions may be made to Envision Hospice, 5959 Gateway West Ste. 450, El Paso, TX 79925, the El Paso Holocaust Museum, 715 N. Oregon, El Paso, Texas 79902, and the El Paso Humane Society, 4991 Fred Wilson, El Paso, TX 79906. Graveside service will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with military honors. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West.