Claude William Morgan

Claude William Morgan, 66, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2017, peacefully, in his home, just in time to meet our Lord for Heavenly Praise. The service honoring his life will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 12, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Burial will follow immediately at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 11, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Claude was born in Harrah, Oklahoma. He grew up in Oklahoma and Texas. Claude had to drop out of school during his 12th grade year and joined the U.S. Marines shortly after. He married his sweetheart, Sherry, on her birthday, November 22, 1974. The two of them settled down in Waco, Texas. He was a machine operator at Owens Illinois Glass Plant for over 28 years, while they raised their children in Bosqueville, where he participated in church and mentored through AWANAs. He retired due to health complications following an injury in 2005. Claude enjoyed playing various board games, cards, and dominoes with his family. He also doted on his grandbabies in true Papa Fashion. They were his world. Claude found solace in the message of the Cross through Sonlife Broadcasting Network and very much enjoyed and participated in the church services they provided, as it was so difficult to attend church physically on a regular basis. Claude had been a Christian for most of his life, imparting faith to his family for many years, before rededicating his life and soul to Jesus Christ following in river baptism, along with his grandson, by his longtime pastor and friend, Brother Jeff Wyers. Claude was preceded in death by his parents, Janie and Don Jones, and Dub and Sue Morgan; as well as his sister, Mary Ann Jones; and brother and sister-in-law, Skip and Ginger Morgan. Survivors include his one and only loving wife, Cheryl; his children, Michelle and Eugene Kritzer, Melissa Acker and Jonathan Ford, Philip and Liz Morgan; honorary son, Joseph and Jessica Blackston; as well as his brother and sister-in-law, Donnie and Betty Jones; and step-sister, Brenda Haddix. Claude had 11 grandbabies and several nieces and nephews. Honored Pallbearers will be Philip Morgan, Eugene Kritzer, Jonathan Ford, Joe Blackston, Jake Sanchez, David Wyers, Mike Howell, Donnie Jones and Robb Sharp. Memorials may be made to SBN Bible Ministry and 700 Club’s Samaritan’s Purse. Claude believed in putting Bibles in the hands of anyone willing to take one and taking care of those who had been dealt a bad hand in this life. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.