EUGENE “GENE” R. MORGAN, SMSgt., USAF (Retired)
September 21, 1941 – April 12, 2013

MORGAN, EUGENE “GENE” R. 1941-2013 Eugene R. Morgan, SMSgt., USAF (ret.), age 71, a resident of Los Lunas, NM., went home to his Lord and Savior on Friday, April 12, 2013. He was a charter member of the Los Lunas Rotary Club, a member of the Blue Max Aviation Society Albuquerque, International Airport and A.O.P.A.

Gene was born on September 21, 1941 in Utica, NY. He spent many years training, or on missions at the following: Big Bear Community College, Moses Lake, Washington; Community College of the Air Force, NCO Academy; Flight Engineer on Sikorsky HH-53 and HH-3 Helicopters; 1550th Kirtland AFB 1976-1982, Albuquerque, NM.; Hill AFB, Ogden, UT.; Francis E. Warren AFB, Cheyenne, WY.; Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX.; Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX.; Larson AFB, Moses Lake, WA.; Bentwaters, Royal Air Force Base, England; Woodbridge England and lived in Ipswich England 1970-1974; 1975-1976 Assigned to the US Navy base for search and rescue missions at Keflavik, Iceland; 1966-1967 Vietnam War Veteran, Air Rescue Det. 14 39th Air Rescue stationed Da Nang and Saigon, South Vietnam; Nakhon Phanom and Udorn, Thailand; flew missions in Mu Gia Pass, North Vietnam, Vientiane, Laos and Cambodia; and flew missions in Malta, Cypress, Italy, Greenland, Norway, Crete, Morocco, Gibraltar and Spain.

He retired after 20 years of honorable service, in which time he received the following medals: Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Combat Readiness Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

His FAA Licenses were: Single, Multi-engine, instrument, air frame and power plant mechanic, Inspection Authorization. At one time he was a FAA Designated mechanic examiner who issued licensees to new mechanics. He also was part of the charter board for the aviation program curriculum at Central New Mexico Community College. Gene was the owner of Morgan Aviation in Midvalley Airpark, Los Lunas, NM., for over 30 years. His business was his love, and his passion for his aviation was where he restored, bought, sold, painted, and repaired general aviation aircraft. He was an avid deer and elk hunter and had many years of wonderful stories he would share. He had a passion for NFL Football and avid Buffalo Bills and the New York Giants fan. He made friends wherever he went, and is survived by countless friends and acquaintances throughout the aviation community and the world.

He was preceded in death by Emerson Morgan Sr. and Beatrice Sheets Morgan; sisters, Janet Well and Nancy Nichol; and daughter, Michelle Cordero.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Judy; daughter, Melinda Morgan of Morrisville, NY.; Michael Morgan and his wife Nicole of Los Lunas, NM.; daughter, Heather Sanchez Morgan and her husband Richard Lee Sanchez Jr. of Fort Carson, CO.; grandchildren, Joshua Springer of Munnsville, NY., Ryan Springer of Morrisville, NY., Carlos Cordero, Cassaundra Cordero, Cassie Cordero of Los Lunas, NM., and Leanne Morgan and Jonathan Morgan of Los Lunas, NM.; great-grandchildren, Caleb Eugene Sanchez, Alexa Sanchez, Ava Sanchez of Fort Carson, CO., and Jasmine Springer of Munnsville, NY.; sisters, Dorothy and her husband Ray Gunther of Hamilton, NY., Phyllis and her husband Charlie Faulkner of Lexington, KY., Dianne and husband Bill Gunthorpe of Morrisville, NY., and Barbara Springer and husband Tom of Madison, NY.; brothers, Emerson Morgan Jr. of Bouckville, NY., Larry Morgan of Norwich, NY., and Alfred Morgan Sr. of Camden, NY.. Gene was a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother who was loved dearly and respected by many. He will be greatly missed.

Keep em flying!

Services will be held Thursday, April 18th at San Clemente Parish Catholic Church, 244 Luna Ave NE, Los Lunas, NM., beginning at 8:30 a.m. with a visitation, the Rosary will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. A reception will follow services. Burial will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Tuesday, April 23, at 11:15 a.m. with full military honors. In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to www.woundedwarriorproject.org PO BOX 758517 Topeka, KS 66675.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Los Lunas Chapel, 2211-D Main St. (505) 866-9992, where an online guest register is available at www.noblinfuneralservice.com

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~ GUESTBOOK ~

04/18/2013
Gene was such a compassionate and passionate man, loving husband, father and grandfather – and my cousin – he will always be remembered, you never forget the people who make a difference in our world. Vallee Morgan Albert.
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Vallee (Morgan) and Jerry Albert

04/17/2013
May God Bless you and yours. We are so very sorry for your loss. Anything that your need assistance with or if you just want to talk we are here for you.
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The Schooley and Byers Families

04/17/2013
Gene was a very loving and caring father and grandfather. I am Heather’s best friend and her entire family has treated me and my children like members of their family. I love you all and pray for you every day.
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Meredith Gazlay

04/16/2013
You always made me feel like part of your family.. I thank you for that and I love you bunches… Miss you my brother in law.
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Elleene

04/16/2013
In loving memory of Gene Morgan. During these days, I had to time to reflect on your life and the many wonderful adventures and time you had with Judy and your children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. How blessed you are. I learned more about your services through Military times and after, with your business with Aviation. I know Michael will follow in your footsteps with the aviation shop… I read your obituary today. I read how many of your family there was. You are all loving and caring and stern, but yet so much God abiding man you are. I pray that you travel home on eagles wings. Until we met again, God bless you Gene. We will love you always. Norma & Family.
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Norma C Romero Family

04/16/2013
To the entire Morgan family – Gene will be missed by all who knew him. May God be with you at this time. Love to all – Ron and Kathie Pomichter.
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