Joseph L Morgan Jr, CAPT USN, longtime resident of Pensacola, FL, 90 years old, slipped the surly bonds of earth the evening of Wed 16 Mar, to join his beloved wife Carol.

Born Nov 05 1925, raised in Snow Shoe PA, "Yoke" worked on the family farm and in the local brickyard as a teenager.  During HS in the early stages of the war, he volunteered as an air-observer, sitting in a local Fire Tower from 11pm to 4am noting the direction and flight path of planes overhead. While still in HS at the age of 17, he enlisted in the V-5 Naval Aviation Cadet program, attended Bloomsburg State Teachers College, PA, Ohio Wesleyan University, Princeton, and Columbia studying engineering and Naval midshipman coursework. As the needs of the service changed, he was assigned to destroyers and minesweepers before achieving his dream of becoming a Naval Aviator, pinning his wings on in 1950.  His career then continued a wide arc, resigning his regular commission in 1957 retuning to Pensacola to work with Prudential, joining the USNR at Ellyson Field then New Orleans, and being reactivated in 1968, serving a total of 31 years,  21 Active, 10 Active Reserve.   He loved flying - from Corsairs & SNJ's, to F-9, FJ-2 and A-4 jets, to C-47 transports.  He loved sports, lettering in football, basketball, baseball in HS and track during college, but was always modest, "they just needed to fill out the team, it was fun, and I needed a little exercise".   Most importantly he loved family, from the very start of each day, to the very end – and then some… He loved sharing his love of the outdoors - hunting and fishing.  His enthusiasm for life, ability to add humor to the dark and somber, his ever inquisitive and sharp mind that encouraged others to look beyond themselves and serve others will be greatly missed by all.

He is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Carol Bird Morgan, artist, Pensacola; parents Joseph Sr and Sadie Hauser Morgan; brother Bill and sister Mildred (Milliron) of Snow Shoe, PA.

He is survived by his children:  Russell of Harrison AR; Kest (Madeleine) of Montreal; Pamela Tidswell (Brooke III) of Mt. Holly, NJ; Joseph III (Heidi) of Valparaiso, FL.

Grandchildren: Paris Bingham (Eli), Tanya Douglas (Kent); Brooke Tidswell IV (Alicia); Joseph Morgan IV (Callie); Kaytie Knapp (Kelsey); William Morgan (Kate). Great-grand children: Caleb, William, James, Luke Douglas; Ingrid Bingham; Kylor, Kynzlie, Karson Knapp and two more Morgan's on the way!  Sisters: Dolores (Morgan) Deliman; Rosemary (Morgan) Deliman; Brother: Donald Morgan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside committal of their cremated remains will be held at 9:35am Friday, July 8, 2016 at Barrancas National Cemetery.

A Funeral cortege will depart Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel at 9:00am Friday.

Please contact at 850-803-3500 for date and times of the Celebration of Life Services.

Gentle, selfless, loving and kind – He led and had a Good Life….

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Family Services, 1901 N. Palafox St., Pensacola, FL 32501; Covenant Care, 5041 N 12th Ave, Gulf Breeze UMC, St Ann's Catholic, or St Christopher's Episcopal Church.

The family thanks all that supported Joe and Carol thru their journey in life.