Good bye, Uncle Tickles...

My Uncle Ernie went to be with Jesus last week. He fought his health issues for many years. He was tired of fighting, and I don't blame him; treatment can be brutal.

Although we did not live close, he and my Aunt Jacque were part of my life from the beginning. My first memory of him was when I was very young & we were visiting their home. He used to tickle me & always make me laugh. Thus the name, Uncle Tickles. 

A very special time with him was when I was in college out in Abilene. He was on a business trip, and took me to dinner! They visited Texas several times, including for my wedding. I am thankful to have had him in my life...

For now, we say, "Good bye." For later, we say, "Can't wait to see you!"

ERNEST MORGAN 
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Ernest Ralph Morgan "Ernie", 76, of Muscatine, passed away at his home on November 22, 2013, surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at later date. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Muscatine. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers is caring for the family and assisting with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the families requests that memorials be made to either Iowa City Hospice or University of Iowa Hospital Transplant Center.

Ernie was born in Muscatine, on June 27, 1937 to Earel Erwin Morgan and Martha Madge Montgomery. After his father Earel passed away, his mother married Don Young.

He attended Muscatine schools and was a graduate of the class of 1955. He was a student manager of the basketball team and a member of the football team. His hard work and dedication was rewarded in his senior year as a co-recipient of the Bill Roach Trophy. He later attended Muscatine Junior College and then transferred to the University of Iowa where he majored in Accounting and graduated in 1959. While at the University, he delivered telegrams by bicycle to assist with his tuition. 

While in the United States Army, he was stationed at Fort Lewis Army Base in Tacoma, WA where through his church he met Jacque Boyd. They were married on May 12, 1962, at 6th Avenue EUB in Tacoma. Ernie was a favorite on the base as he was in the Finance Department where he handed out the pay weekly.

After finishing his service & being honorably discharged, the couple returned to Muscatine, where through the years, Ernie was very active with his church, Calvary Baptist, where his roles included Treasurer, Sunday school teacher & superintendent, church trustee and he served on almost every committee that needed his assistance. He was an active AWANA leader and Boys Commander for many years where beyond the traditional classroom setting, he took his groups on yearly fishing trips.

Ernie used his accounting knowledge throughout his entire career starting at Wm. Mull Distributors but the majority of his career was spent at Bandag in accounting where he retired in 1998, after 25 years of service. During the tax season, he proofed income tax returns at Muscatine Tax Service.

Ernie enjoyed bowling with many lifelong friends, playing & coaching church slow pitch softball as well as coaching MGSA fast pitch softball. Being an outdoorsman, he enjoyed pheasant & rabbit hunting but especially fishing with his grandchildren. 

Ernie is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jacque; daughter Tammi (Frank) Coffen of Mount Union, daughter Becky (Bryan) Butler of Muscatine and daughter Cindy (Rob) Gallagher of Nashville, TN. Ernie has eleven grandchildren - Cristi, Ami, Cori and Mandi; children of Tammi. Curtis, Megan, Jessi and Beth; children of Becky & Bryan. Robert, Jack and Maura; children of Cindy & Rob. Just recently he became a great grandfather to Quisetin, son of Ami. He is also survived by two siblings, Judy (Denny) Howard of Wilton, Penny (Jim) Allen of New Boston, IL; a brother-in-law, Bill Chapman of Silver Springs, FL, his Uncle Ralph (Annie) Morgan of Lebanon, MO, along with many nieces, nephews & cousins.

Ernie was preceded in death by his mother, Madge Morgan Young, father Earel Morgan, step father Don Young, brother Butch Morgan and sister Nancy Chapman.

The family wishes to thank so many care providers who helped Ernie throughout the years, especially the VA Hospital in Iowa City, as well as Iowa City Hospice.