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Steve Morgan

September 18, 1950 - July 20, 2020
Grand Rapids, MI

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Visitation

Friday, July 24, 2020
1:30 PM EDT
Bristolwood Church
2501 Bristol Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Web Site

Service

Friday, July 24, 2020
2:30 PM EDT
Bristolwood Church
2501 Bristol Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Heritage Bible Church Childrens Ministry
917 N. Michigan Avenue
Greensburg, IN 47240
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ball Park Floral
8 Valley Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 459-3409
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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In the heart of Steve Morgan there was no greater joy than the love of family. An exuberant man who held a quiet strength, he was ever encouraging, caring and kind. A friend of many and a stranger to none, Steve could strike up a conversation with anyone and had a genuine interest in people and their lives. It was truly a blessing to have known and loved this special man. Although now gone from sight, Steve leaves a loving legacy that will remain in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Although conservative in nature, the decade of the 1950s sculpted the culture of America. Everything from music to movies, art and media to beloved comic strips and cartoons introduced households to a whole new way of life. With manufacturing and home construction on the rise, the economy boomed as the suburban dream was being realized. It was indeed a time of change as well as blessings, especially in the lives of Merle “Dean” and Delores “Joanne” (Wilson) Morgan when on September 18, 1950, they welcomed the birth of their little boy, Stephen Dean into their arms.

Born in Traverse City, Michigan, young Steve’s father worked odd jobs while his mother remained at home as a homemaker. While an infant his family moved to Grand Rapids where his father landed a good, steady job. Throughout his youth Steve remained close to his grandparents who owned a motel in the Traverse City area and where he often visited and loved.

The oldest of eventually seven children, Steve enjoyed a childhood typical of the times and especially liked riding his bike. At the age of six, Steve experienced a bad infection and became quite ill, spending twelve weeks in the hospital and learning to walk again. Steve enjoyed a great mind for memorization. He attended Henry School and later went on to attend Harrison Park Middle School before attending Union High School through the tenth grade.

As his siblings can attest, Steve was the best big brother! He got along well with his siblings and was even protective of his sisters. Each year he and his family enjoyed family vacations. Once while vacationing in Montana his family was alerted to a bear in the area and as a result, Steve locked himself in the car for safety, all while leaving his family consequently out with the bear! As a young adult, Steve hitchhiked all the way to Florida and after staying for a mere two hours, he turned around and headed back home.

Steve loved anything fast! The faster the better according to Steve and it didn’t matter if it was a car, jet, or train. As a matter of fact he’d often encourage anyone with whom he was in a car with to go faster and faster! He also loved facts and found numerous things interesting. Every year for Christmas or his birthday he looked forward to receiving his annual Guinness Book of Records or the new Almanac to freshen up his fact checking. He could spout off the distance or height of something on a whim and most often he only had to read things once before having it memorized.

Limitations never got Steve down. He so loved the big cities of such places as Chicago, Detroit or Denver and he even liked big crowds. Attending the Cherry Festival in Traverse City was something he always enjoyed and he absolutely loved seeing the Blue Angels fly high whenever he could.

A lover of music, Steve enjoyed all listening styles, particularly Southern gospel quartets, classic rock, polka, and country. In addition, Steve loved to sing. He possessed a hearty appetite and a good, Chinese buffet was his favorite along with a juicy hamburger and fries. He was always open to trying out a new restaurant and new products, too like a new type of candy or potato chip. He once even contacted the M&M Company to suggest a new one! He loved Dots and JuJu candy, and he never hesitated asking his sisters for specific items like his favorite black licorice, chili dogs or a BBQ. When they were traveling he’d even call and ask them, “Where are you, and what are you bringing me?”

Steve was known for riding his bike everywhere all over Grand Rapids. He rode the bus and became fast friends with all the drivers. In all he did, Steve was very regimented and lived by a routine. Even the city bus drivers would check on him if he didn't show up on his regular route. Steve was just as predictable. Even though he lived near a particular Meijer store, every morning he boarded the bus to ride across town to the Meijer he preferred.

Special is barely adequate in describing the relationship Steve experienced with his nieces and nephews. He held a special place in his heart for each of them and the feeling was mutual. There wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do for Steve. They’d often playfully tease one another but the mutual love was evident, as was the love shared with Steve and his entire family.

Steve was dependent on others giving him rides, especially the last 15 years when he wasn't able to ride his bike anymore. His brother Mark was a great help taking Steve anywhere he wanted to go. He had a way of remembering everyone’s birthdays and was often the first one to wish the first birthday greetings for anyone in the family. When it came to his nieces and nephews, their birthday cards always included a crisp, $5 bill. Steve was a tremendous help to his mother when his father passed away in 2001 and offered her great company.

With ways all his own, Steve Morgan added much to the lives around him. A loving, friendly and kind man, he was just as loyal. A longtime attendee of Bristolwood Church, Steve held fast to his faith as a God loving, spiritual man. He was compassionate towards others, loved children and in his family he found his greatest joy. Dearly loved, Steve will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for all he was, and more.

Stephen D. Morgan, age 69, of Grand Rapids, MI passed away July 20, 2020. He was preceded in death by his father and by his brother, Larry Morgan. He is survived by his mother, Joanne; siblings, Suzanne (Ike) Ykema of Holland, Sandy Morgan of Allendale, Janis (Brent) Metz of Tallmadge Township, Mark Morgan of Grand Rapids, Bonnie (Gary) Becker of Wayland; special aunt, Phyllis; uncle, Eugene; several nieces and nephews that he adored so much. A funeral service will be held, Friday, July 24, 2020, 2:30 PM at Bristolwood Church, 2501 Bristol Ave. NW where friends can visit beginning at 1:30 PM. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Heritage Bible Church Children's Ministry. To read more of Steve's Life Story and to share a memory or condolence, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.

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