Rick L. Morgan, 68, of Sterling, IL, died Friday, May 17, 2024, at his home.
Rick was born November 18, 1955, in Morrison, IL to Fay E. and Vernabelle J. (Buikema) Morgan. He was educated in the Tampico, IL, grade schools and was a graduate of Tampico High School. He studied Tool and Die Making at the Whiteside County Vocational Center. On August 5, 1977, he married Christi A. Melton in Prophetstown, IL. Rick started farming with John Melton as a hired hand and in 1980 he began farming for himself in the Sterling, Prophetstown, and Tampico areas. He served as a Trustee on the Board for Gold Township and Tampico Farmer’s Elevator. Rick was a loyal John Deere customer. He was an avid NASCAR and Denver Broncos fan, and also enjoyed watching the Illini play. His greatest joy was traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park, where he enjoyed taking in the rugged, beautiful scenery and the rambling rivers, creeks, and lakes. He was keen to watch the wildlife there, especially the elk during rut season. Spending time with his family was high on Rick’s enjoyment list, especially attending his nieces’, nephews’, great-nieces’, and great-nephews’ activities.
Survivors include his wife, Christi; brother, Larry (Nancy) Morgan of Hudson, IL; mother-in-law, Mary Melton of Morrison, IL; brothers-in-law, Jeff (Brenda) Melton and Marc (Cynthia) Melton, both of Prophetstown; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents, Roy J. and Elizabeth Buikema; paternal grandparents, Lee and Elizabeth Morgan; father-in-law, John L. Melton.
The Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home in Prophetstown, IL, with Rev. Rod Dye officiating.
There will be a Visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the funeral home, with an additional Visitation time prior to the funeral service on Thursday, May 23, from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown, IL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.