Manuel Eugene "Gene" Morgan

Mr. Manuel Eugene "Gene" Morgan, age 92 of Anna, died at 3:45 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2014 in the Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. He was born January 3, 1922 in Marion, the son of Roderick J. and Dora Rendleman Morgan. He married Patricia Deming and later, Rachel Wasson. Both preceded him in death. Gene is survived by his daughter, Marilyn (Mike) Keller of Anna; son R.J. (Lisa) Morgan of Columbia, IL, five grandchildren, Kent (Paula) Keller, Penny (Jorge) Costa, Chris (Cecilia) Keller all of Anna, Jakob and Samuel Morgan both of Columbia, IL; six great- grandchildren, Chelsey, Jennifer, Morgan, Evan, Bennett and Hayden Keller; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives; two brothers, Marion and Milton Morgan; and one sister, Mildred Kline. Gene was of the Baptist faith. He was a 1940 graduate of Carbondale Community High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of the Shriners and was a member of the Carbondale Masonic Lodge #249 and was a 32 degree mason. He owned and operated Century Sports in Carbondale and later Morgan and Son Construction in Paducah. His most proud accomplishment was operating the homeless shelter, Morning Starr Mission in Paducah KY, for twenty eight years. He ran the shelter out of his home in Paducah, building dormitories, and facilities onto his home to accommodate those in need. Funeral services for Mr. Manuel Eugene "Gene" Morgan will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 30, 2014 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with Rev. John Holst officiating. Interment will be in the Anna City Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. and the Illinois Army National Guard Military Honors Team of Marion. Friends may call after 1:00 p.m. and until the service hour at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 30, 2014 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church in Cobden or the Zoar UCC in Columbia, IL. Envelopes will be available at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna.