Wayne D. Morgan

Wayne D. Morgan passed away peacefully on November 9,2024 at the age of 88. He was preceded in death by his parent, Lois (Brown) & Leslie Morgan, wife Mary June (Arrington) Morgan, brother & sister-in-law’s William (Ruth) Morgan, John (Ruth) Morgan, Norma Morgan, sister & brother-in-law Grace (Ron) Minor, second wife Bonnie (Dunn) Morgan, and son-in-law Steven Underation.

Wayne is survived by his daughter, Lisa (Morgan) Underation, son Jeffrey (Mary) Morgan, stepsons Frederick (Ranee) Dunn III & Franklin (Kristin) Dunn, brother Edward Morgan and numerous very special grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces & nephews.

Wayne was born in Lyndon, Ohio to Lois & Leslie (LP) Morgan in 1936. He was born at his childhood farm, the youngest of five children. He learned the importance of hard work & perseverance as he and his family experienced the hardships of losing their home to a fire. They moved into the chicken coop where they lived until their new home could be built. Out of the experience, the piano was the one item saved from the fire.

Wayne graduated from Buckskin High School I 1954 and was valedictorian of his class. He recently celebrated his 70th class reunion and kept in touch with many of his classmates. After high school he joined the United States Army where he served for 6 years.

Wayne took piano lessons, and music became his joy all the way to the end. He found joy in playing the piano for his wife, Bonnie, his church, and even the assisted living facility where he lived out his final year of life.  He also enjoyed playing the harmonica especially with his brother-in-law, Ron Minor, and his son Jeff. He loved playing piano duets with his wife, Mary June and then later in life with his daughter, Lisa. He looked forward to Jeff accompanying him with his guitar.

Wayne moved to Columbus where he met his first wife Mary June. They were married and after Lisa was born, they moved to Canton where he started his job at the Timken Company. Together they raised two children. He was a provider for his family and dedicated to taking care of Mary June until she passed away.

He was blessed enough to find love twice in his life. He met Bonnie and they were married in 1983. He and Bonnie had an amazing life together where they provided love and support to their blended families. They loved the role of grandparent to all their grandchildren, attending sporting events, attending grandparent-day celebrations, and sharing wisdom and Christ with each one of them.

Wayne had a lifelong commitment to his faith and raised his family accordingly. He was a devout and unashamed Christian that would share his faith with friends and family. He served faithfully in his church and volunteered in many ways. As a family, they would spend weekends selling Christmas trees at the church. He was active with the youth group and had such a heart for children.

Wayne was known as a great story-teller, always told with his own brand of humor. He was also known for his ability to analyze and plan. He and his son-in-law, Steve, would sit in the basketball stands while Steve would entertain Wayne analyzing plays and strategies. The two of them were often thick-as-thieves as they were plotting for the post-game plan for ice cream.

For those that knew him, he was kind, funny, present, and always the best-dressed guy in the fedora. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. The legacy he has left will be realized for generations and his smile and presence will be missed.

Calling Hours for Wayne will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at the Silva-Hostetler Funeral Home, 1199 Wooster Rd. West, Barberton, from 10 am -12 pm with a Funeral Service to follow at 12:00 p.m. Pastor James Roma, officiating. A luncheon will be held immediately following at the Sokol Club at 888 West Hopocan Ave., Barberton.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday morning at 9:00 am at Sunset Hills Burial Park, Canton.