Bobby Joe Morgan, 87, of Winnie, died Friday, May 1, 2015, at The Arboretum of Winnie. Bobby was born on June 1, 1928, in Brownwood, to Minnie Belle Morgan and Willis Morgan. He grew up in Calvert, where he played football for the Calvert High School Trojans. It was in Calvert, after a football game, that he met the love of his life, Helen Jean Simmonds.

A few days after high school graduation, on May 28, 1946, Bob and Jean were married. Shortly after, Bob left for the United States Navy, from 1946-1954. He was stationed in San Diego, California and deployed to Japan as part of the United States occupying force after World War II. During the Korean War, he was stationed aboard the USS Mount McKinley.

Bob intended to make a career of the Navy, but after serving eight years, he answered God’s call to His ministry and left he Navy to attend Baylor University. During his time in the Navy, he and Jean had three sons, Michael, David and Brian. After attending Baylor, Bob and Jean started out on God’s mission for their lives, with Bob preaching and Jean playing the piano. They also had two more children along the way, Joe Paul and Kathy. Bob was deeply devoted to both his ministry and his family. He humbly and lovingly served the Lord by preaching the Gospel and unconditionally loving others for over fifty years.

Bob and Jean were together for sixty-one years, at the time of her passing, in 2007. The legacy of their love can be seen in the lives of their children, Michael Sr, and Jan Morgan, David and Shelley Morgan, Brian and Anna Morgan,  Joe Paul and Sandra Morgan, Kathy Morgan and Janna Kunefke; grandchildren, Michael Jr. and Jenni Morgan, Jennifer Zett, Lisa and Jonathan Miller, Wes Morgan and Erin Gage, John Morgan, Jeremy Morgan and Sarah Morgan; great-grandchildren, Halie and Johnathan Bush, Anthony Morgan, Jace Zett, Jordyn Morgan, McKenna Zett, Austin Morgan and Moses Miller; great-great grandchildren, Kiptyn Bush and Rhealyn Bush; sister, Dorothy Smith; and brother, Peter Morgan and his wife, Polly.

He was preceded in death and is now rejoicing in Heaven with his parents, Minnie Belle and Will Morgan; brothers, Grady, Miller and Ray; sisters, Emma Dell, Willie Mae and Tamara. He is also now joyously reunited with his wife, Jean and great-great grandson, Kiptyn, as well as his beloved parents-in-law, Helen and L.V. Simmonds.

A gathering of Mr. Morgan’s family and friends will begin at 2:00 p.m., with his memorial service at 3:00 p.m., Monday, May 4, 2015, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. A family committal was held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.