John Henry Morgan III

https://vimeo.com/event/5127736
Obituary
John Henry Morgan III was born on December 17, 1967, in Topeka, Kansas, to Jarris Lonona Morgan and John Henry Morgan II. He departed this life on May 2, 2025, at the age of 57.
Raised in a loving home alongside his siblings, John was shaped by the spiritual foundation of Brown Chapel AME Church and 8th Street Baptist Church. John's childhood was enriched by his experiences at the Boys and Girls Club, a place he often spoke about with fondness. It was there that he honed his basketball skills, forged lasting friendships, and learned valuable life lessons that would carry him through adulthood.
A graduate of Topeka High School, John was an accomplished athlete, earning the title of State Basketball Champion in 1986, and a dedicated member of the school band, where he received the prestigious John Phillip Sousa Award for outstanding musicianship. His talent on the basketball court earned him a scholarship to Allen County Community College, where he played for two years before continuing his athletic journey at Southwest Texas State University and receiving his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1991. He returned to his hometown to serve as a Graduate Assistant Basketball Coach and earned a Master of Business Administration from Washburn University in 1994.
John moved back to Texas in 1996. He joined Abundant Life Christian Center in San Marcos, Texas, where he was ordained as a deacon under the leadership of Pastor Paul Buntyn Sr. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Gloria Guine. They were best friends, confidants, and each other's greatest cheerleaders. After dating for two years, they married on August 26, 2000, embarking on a beautiful journey of love, laughter, and shared dreams that spanned over two decades. Together, they became godparents to a host of children, nurturing them with the same love, guidance, and spiritual wisdom that defined their union.
John became a licensed minister under Pastor Ed Reynolds at New Light Christian Center Church in 2021. He also served as a board member and treasurer for The Love Center Bible Fellowship and as Vice President of Kingdom Christian Center in Jacksonville, Texas. His unwavering commitment to God and his community was evident in every role he undertook.
John dedicated over two decades to educating and mentoring young minds in various high schools across central Texas, including Reagan High School, Johnston High School, Crockett High School, Elgin High School, and Navarro High School. John was an educator who strived to leave a lasting impact on every student he encountered. He poured into his students, helping them recognize their inherent value and potential while investing in their futures both academically and personally. As a beloved coach and AVID teacher, he not only taught lessons in the classroom but also imparted wisdom on the basketball court, encouraging his players to excel on and off the court. His impact extended beyond the classroom through the Navarro African American Male Literacy Group, which he co-founded, fostering literacy and leadership among young men.
John was an avid reader with a thirst for knowledge, a sports enthusiast with a competitive spirit, and a mentor to countless youth. His love for travel, quiet strength, and encouraging nature left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a father figure to many, a devoted friend, and a loving husband who lived by his favorite saying, "If you see me in a fight with a bear, help the bear."
John was preceded in death by his parents, Jarris L. Morgan and John H. Morgan II; his sister, Cheryl D. Bunch; and his brother, Jack C. Jefferson. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Gloria Morgan; his brother, Edwin Jefferson (Kim); his brother-in-law, Bobby Burton; and a host of nieces, nephews, and godchildren whose lives he profoundly touched. John's life was a testament to the power of faith, love, and service. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved him.