Jesse Ray Morgan

Jesse Ray Morgan, was born February 2, 1939 to Jeter Morgan and Lily Morgan.  Mr. Morgan departed this life on August 9, 2021 at the age of 82.

Jesse was the father of four daughters:  Ms. Vivian Marzetta Walker of Ellsinore, MO, Mrs. Marilynn (Jimmie) Ellsworth of Broseley, Mrs. Marcene (Alan) Wolfe of Belton, MO and Mrs. VeeVee (Todd) McLaughlin of Augusta, Maine.  Mr. Morgan is survived by one son, Darrell Ray Morgan (Kim) of Poplar Bluff, Missouri.  Jesse leaves behind grandchildren Adam Ellsworth, Clinton Ellsworth, Eric Walker, Christopher Walker, Morgan Rhea McLaughlin, Seth McLaughlin, Quinn McLaughlin, Zach Wolfe, and Kelly Rae Midkiff.  He is survived by great grandchildren Ainsley Ellsworth, Morgan and Miles Ellsworth, Blake McLaughlin, and Maveric, Malcolm, and Luna Ray George, and Joshua and Jayden Walker.  He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Alicia Wolfe.  He also leaves behind one brother, Sherman Morgan of Poplar Bluff and two special friends Vic and Brenda Russell of Poplar Bluff.    He leaves behind a host of step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Jesse was a 20 year career enlisted man in the United States Air Force, getting out after 12 years, reenlisting later and returning to Vietnam.  He experienced Vietnam twice, was active at Wurtsmith AFB in Michigan, Williams AFB in Arizona, Ipswich, England, Homestead AFB in Florida and Castle AFB in California.  He was past commander at VFW Post 3735 in Oscoda Michigan, was in the 445th fighter interceptor squardron at Wurtsmith, and was a B-52 Tailgunner. His nephew Sherman remembered him as he spoke about the airfield that was being temporarily overrun during the Tet offensive, and how proud he was of the American GIs who ran towards the sound of the guns to take it back.  “He seemed to like the tough guys.”

Jesse was the former Post Commander for Post 6477 in Poplar Bluff from 2011 to 2012.

Jesse was well traveled and was proud to be a Veteran and to have served our great country.  He will be missed by many.

There will be a graveside inurnment Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 10 AM at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that memorials be made to VFW Post 6477, 415 Broadway Street, Poplar Bluff, Mo 63901.