Dr. Lee Roy "Dedo" Morgan Jr.

1936 - 2023

Dr. Lee Roy "Dedo" Morgan, Jr., a life-long resident of NOLA, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2023. He was born in New Orleans, LA, on November 5, 1936, the only child of Louise Buchanan Morgan and Lee Roy Morgan, Sr. His grandparents were Catherine and Joseph Buchanan, Sr., New Orleans, LA, and Marion and Thomas J. Morgan, Hamburg, AR. He married Kathleen Elizabeth Kammer in 1957, they were married for 65 years and had four children – Kathleen "Kim", David (Leslie), Kerry (Chris Bruno, Sr.), Eric (Brenda) - and eight grandchildren - Meredith (Graham Carlson), Christopher, Jr., Marielle, Tess, Danielle "Ellie", Lee Roy, III, Cole, Scott - and his beloved dog Zoë. He attended and graduated from De La Salle High School in 1954. At an early age he developed a love for science/chemistry when he received a microscope and chemistry set as gifts. He pursued these interests receiving chemistry degrees from Tulane University (BS, MS, PhD, 1958,1959,1960). He completed post-doctoral studies in chemistry at Imperial College, University of London, London, England, 1960-1961, under the guidance of future Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, Sir D. H. R. Barton. Upon returning to New Orleans in 1961, he joined the staff of the LSU Medical Center, New Orleans, in the Department of Pharmacology until his retirement in 1986 as Professor/Chairman of Pharmacology. While teaching at LSU, Lee Roy also obtained a MD degree in 1971 and became active in medical Oncology. Upon retirement from LSU, Lee Roy continued his practice of Oncology in New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina, 2005. During his career, he furthered his love of teaching as an Adjunct Research Professor of Chemistry at the University of New Orleans, and as a Clinical Professor of Medicine, Tulane University Medical School, New Orleans. He dedicated his adult professional life to finding cures for cancer. At the time of his death, Lee Roy was CEO of DEKK-TEC, Inc, New Orleans, a company which he and his son, David, formed in 1983 to develop new therapies for cancer. Through his many years of research, Lee Roy has filed multiple patents in cancer fighting modalities. Lee Roy was a 55+ year member of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), a 60+ year member of the Amercian Chemical Society, as well as a member of the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Lee Roy and Kathleen enjoyed living in London while he pursued his post-doctoral work, which led to a life-long passion for travel. Together, they visited countless European countries, plus China, Africa, Russia and many other destinations. They would always find their way back to Paris when traveling all over the world. Lee Roy enjoyed the outdoors; he learned to sail in the late 1960's, and raced his sailboats with his dear friend Willie Maylie. He also loved his annual duck hunting trips to Canada with his family. Family and friends were a central part of his life, and brought him tremendous joy. He loved celebrating life, dancing with his wife of 66 years, and enjoying great meals at his favorite restaurants, including Mandina's, II Tony's, and Ye Olde College Inn. Lee Roy was a devout Catholic and frequent mass attendee at St. Pius X and the Newman Center. The family would like to thank Lee Roy's long-time colleague/nurse and friend Kitty Hooper. We would also like thank the health professionals at East Jefferson General Hospital, Heart of Hospice, Sheila Ritter, Brandi Ritter, Jessica Watson, and Connie Knox, as well as countless others who made a positive impact on his life. Visitation will be Monday, October 30, from 10 am – 12 pm at St. Pius X Church, with Mass of Christian Burial to follow and internment will be private. Arrangements under the direction of Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, New Orleans, La. In lieu of flowers, the family asks all donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.