THURSDAY

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

Ephesians 4:22

Obituary

John Leonard Morgan

June 6, 1946 – January 9, 2024

John Leonard Morgan passed away quietly in his sleep on Monday, January 9, 2024. He was born June 6, 1946 in Independence, Louisiana and was 77 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of 58 years, who was also his high school sweetheart. Also surviving are his children, Randy (Donna) and Jeff (Candace). He was “Dude” to his five grandchildren; Bailey, Madison, Noah, Hudson, and Lorelai “Lulu” Morgan. He became a Christian at the age of 12 and tried to follow Christ by reading his Bible daily and attending church even while serving in the Navy. He was a member of First Baptist Church Amite and a former member of First Baptist Church Covington, where he served as a greeter, a position he dearly loved. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Christine Lawson Bourgeois; father, John Henry Morgan; brothers, Tommy Morgan and Ronnie Morgan; great-nephew, Devin Morgan; step-father, Wilbert Bourgeois. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Daray and Lori Sanders (Max) and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was a 1964 graduate of Amite High School. After sustaining injuries, he stayed on as the manager of the 1963 State Championship Football team under the leadership of Coach Jack Pope. Even though injuries kept him from playing football, he made managing the team a top priority. Immediately after graduating high school, he began his barbering career by entering New Orleans Barber & Beauty School. He spent approximately 56 years cutting hair until illness forced him to retire which he never intended to do. 

In 1967, during the Vietnam Conflict, he joined the Navy and was a barber in the crew’s barber shop. He was then moved to the officer’s barber shop while serving aboard the USS Howard W. Gilmore in Charleston, South Carolina. 

The family would like to thank the caregivers from Home Instead, who were wonderful and took such good care of him. Also VitalCaring Hospice for going above and beyond. 

Pallbearers will be Omar Banos, Daniel Goldsby, Russ Guzzardo, Brandon McElveen, Tracy Perkins, Keith Sumrall and David Wallace. 

Family and friends are invited to attend services at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite from 1:00 until 3:00 on Saturday, January 13th. A funeral service will begin at 3:00, conducted by Dr. Matthew White. Interment will follow at Mulberry Street Cemetery in Amite. 

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a contribution to the church or charity of your choice.  

Hospital

Jackie Babin is progressing well following her surgery Tuesday. I’m sure Bob will be thrilled when he gets her home.

Illness

Dwayne Creel has shingles to complicate the other issues he has been having. Please pray for him. 

Read the Bible Daily

  • John 14: 1-4
  • Philippians 3: 20-21
  • Colossians 3: 1-4
  • I John 3: 1-3
  • “Thinking about this makes me feel . . . .”

Read the Bible in 2024

  • Genesis 21:22 – 23:20
  • Psalm 7: 9-17
  • Proverbs 1: 32-33
  • Matthew 8:5-27

I’m up to date on these daily readings. I hope you are too!

Prayer Focus

Today, as we hear many weather reports about the very cold weather next week, focus your thoughts on not only what you need to do to prepare you home, but also on what others might need to do. For men, you might need to help someone prepare their home and property.

When David was so sick a few years ago, I asked him about the pipes. He assured me they were fine. But, along came a friend when we really needed one. He brought his own supplies and would take no money for helping us. He taught me a good lesson on helping others when they needed help. I’ll never forget James Rimes for helping us and for teaching me such a lesson. He ranks high on my list of friends/heroes.

Please begin to pray for God to lead you to help someone get a supply of needed items and preparations. He can use us all!

Sometimes our prayers. become our greatest teachers and guides. Learn from those who set such examples for you! Learn from God’s messages as we pray and ask Him to help us help others.

Anna Lee