MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Mary Morgan was all smiles as she described her late husband of 35 years, Robert Hubert Morgan, a man of faith, a man of humor, and a man who Morgan said devoted his life to three things.
“Service to his country, service to the community at large and also very devoted to his family,” she said. “He brought joy to my life.
Robert Morgan served his community in Miami-Dade County as a social worker for 49 years, working at the Mailman Center for Child Development.
But at 99 years old, the father of four, grandfather and loving husband would lose his life.
“I am going to miss his presence,” said Mary Morgan. “I am going to miss his humor.”
Robert Morgan served as a radio operator in the Navy during WWII and worked on a landing craft. It’s during that time his family said he saw so much, some good, some bad, and loved to tell stories to his grandchildren of his time in the service, with his own twist of course.
“He would put on these T-shirts that had holes in them and tell (his grandson) Danny that that was from the battle wounds that he had received and Danny believed it,” said Mary Morgan.
As relatives shared stories, there was no doubt Robert Morgan would receive a service with full military honors. That was until the day came.
“We told them that he was a veteran of World War II and I thought that they wrote that down and I thought that was all settled,” said Mary Morgan.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t.
Mary and Robert’s son Joe Morgan quickly realized the proper paperwork still hadn’t been filed after Robert Morgan’s passing on March 5. The necessary documents were submitted a day later and are still in processing with his burial just two days away.
“What we are looking for is perhaps an alternative expedited path,” said Joe Morgan.
Local 10 News’ Roy Ramos reached out to the Veterans Funeral Honors Coordinator who is now speaking with the Morgan family with hopes of properly honoring Robert Morgan, a man who spent his life in social work, helping mothers and children of domestic violence, and serving his country, always expecting to be honored for it.
“There was no question that he wanted, a simply gesture,” said Joe Morgan. “These military honors are simple but so meaningful.”
The greatest generation to ever live. What a life.
The Morgan family said they are in communication with military to expedite the process for his burial on Thursday.
They say veterans who would like to attend are welcome, and the information can be found here.