Byron Duane (Tom) Morgan, the son of Byron Albert (Barney) and Lena Etta (Spicer) Morgan was born March 20, 1939 at Glade, Kansas and passed away December 24, 2018 at his home west of Glade. Tom was raised at the farm west of Glade and had moved back to that same farm in 1965 where he and Lela raised their family.

Tom was united in marriage to Lela Bennett on December 8, 1959 in Oxnard, California. Tom and Lela enjoyed 59 years of marriage together. To this union three daughters were born: Brenda Lea, Carla Kay, and Diana Faye.

Tom was in the United States Navy and served three years in a Construction Battalion in Okinawa. He returned to Phillips County, Kansas in 1960. Later, Tom joined the Kansas Army National Guard serving until 1997 when he retired.

After returning to Phillips County, Tom worked as a dirt contractor for several years and then engaged in farming which he continued for many years, retiring from farming in 1998. In 1974, Tom and Lela began a custom wheat cutting business, traveling from southern Oklahoma to Glade each summer with their daughters and nephews. In later years, Tom and Lela also worked together cutting silage for customers throughout the states of Kansas and Nebraska. Tom and Lela enjoyed sharing an over-the-road truck driving career from 1995 to 2000.

In Tom's final days, he reminded his family that without the support of Lela he would not have been as successful as he had been in his adventures. He lived his life without regret and was proud that he had accomplished his goal of having the women in his life be independent. He was also very proud of and loved his grandchildren. He treasured being Papa to his great-grandchildren and enjoyed every minute he spent with them.

He was a member of the Phillipsburg Blue Lodge, Hiram Commandery, Kirwin Chapter, Council #17, Order of the Eastern Star, Shriners, and the United Methodist Church of Glade.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Raymond and Lyle, along with sisters Alice, Dortha, Monnie, and Karen.

His is survived by his wife, Lela, of the home; daughters and spouses: Brenda & Brian Chance, Phillipsburg; Carla & Theron Bruning, Glade; and Diana and Jeff Gross, McCook, NE; grandchildren: Nathan Baxter, Joe Baxter, Jacob McClelland, Lexi Gross, D.J. Gross, and Kelle Chance; and great- grandchildren: Graesyn Baxter, Teaghan Baxter, KcAnna and Kaleb Keiswetter, and Katelyn Chance.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 28, 2018 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg. Burial with Military Honors conducted by the Kansas National Guard will follow in the Marvin Cemetery, Glade, KS.

Mr. Morgan will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral chapel.

In lieu of flowers, family request memorial contributions may be made to the Phillips County Healthcare Foundation.