Ernest Eugene Morgan

Ernest Eugene Morgan passed from this life to the eternal presence of Jesus on Monday, June 26, 2023 at Oaklawn Hospital, Marshall, Michigan, at age 76. The family is so thankful for the great care he received there, and the opportunity we had to say goodbye to him.
Ernie was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on March 12, 1947 to Ford W. Morgan and wife Velma Lucille Latshaw Morgan. He was the 4th of 11 children. Ernie attended Harper Creek Schools, and served in the U.S. Army from 1967 – 1969.
Ernie married Deborah Barkley in 1966, and they had two children, Robert and Cynthia. That marriage ended, and in 1983, he married Valerie Speas Overholt. She survives.
Ernie was a very versatile individual. He worked at Clark Equipment Company for many years. He was very talented in carpentry, and even built the house, a beautiful log home, which he and Val lived in.
Ernie was also a car enthusiast, and worked on and maintained a number of different makes and models of classic cars throughout his life with his brother Clyde. Ernie worked hard all his life, and appreciated the things he had.
Many and varied were the interests and gifting of this man, and his many blessings and opportunities in life, but his self-proclaimed greatest moment ever was when he came to know Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and Lord. In 1991, while at home alone, Ernie was watching an Evangelist named Rod Parsley on TV. The Holy Spirit pricked his heart, he realized his need of salvation, and gave his life to the Lord on the spot. Ernie truly lived out – from that moment on – the scripture in 2 Corinthians 5:17 – "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new".
His wife and family immediately recognized that Ernie Morgan had been transformed by the blood of Jesus, and he began a life of service. He served Jesus by serving others. He was not a talker, certainly not a braggart, so it was the hidden man of the heart that he came to be known for. Deeper and deeper grew the love for his family and for God. Ernie had faithfully attended Family Altar Chapel since 2007.
Ernie made it a priority to attend his grandkids sporting and theatrical events, and loved to sit and have his coffee in the cool of the morning or evening or any time. He loved his coffee and pie!
He loved to be part of family activities and special occasions. He was comfortable with others being the center of attention, but was timely with a quick joke or a loving "zinger". He loved to laugh at the grandkids antics, and really enjoyed having the family over to their house.
Ernie was preceded in death by his parents Ford and Velma Morgan, siblings Lorna Smith, Ford Morgan Jr., Beverly Morgan, David Morgan, Carl Mike Morgan, Diane Gibson, and Becky Curtis. Surviving are his siblings Clyde Morgan, Linda (Clem) Beechy, and Carolyn (John) Richardson.
Also left to carry on with Ernie's memory are his wife, Valerie, children Robert (Martha) Morgan, Cynthia (Martin) Gray, and step-children Rebecca (Travis) Davis and Tony Overholt.
Grandchildren are Lindsey Marks, Troy Davis, Dawson Morgan, Grant Morgan, Brittany Henning, Madison Overholt, Kennedy Barlond, and 7 great-grandchildren.
Ernie's life and eternal home-going will be celebrated on July 8, 2023, at Family Altar Chapel, 14844 6 ½ Mile Road in Battle Creek. Pastor Travis Davis officiating. Visitation with family begins at 10:00 AM, with the service starting at 11:00 AM. A Luncheon will follow.
At the request of the family, memorial donations can be made to "The Haven of Rest" Mission, or to Family Altar Chapel Missions.
Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800 www.baxterfuneral.com