David John Morgan

Livestream Link: https://my.gather.app/remember/david-john-dj-morgan

David John Morgan was born on September 25, 1951, in Malad, Idaho to Joseph and Velda Morgan. He was spoiled and loved by three older sisters: Shelda, Judy, and Geraldine.

His childhood was full of horses, hunting, multiplication times tables, basketball, and playing the guitar.

He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Germany South Mission. He always talked with fondness about his mission. Teaching an atheist to pray and inviting someone to live the Word of Wisdom and proceeding to throw away a whole liquor cabinet were among some of his retold experiences. His love for those he taught was always evident.

He attended Brigham Young University and later transferred to the University of Utah where he received an accounting degree.

While at Brigham Young University, he met and fell in love with Becky Sowards. They were married on April 25, 1974 in the Salt Lake Temple and recently celebrated their fifty-second anniversary. They were a dynamic couple that always tried to do what was right and be where the Lord needed them to be. Even after 52 years, their love was tangible when they looked at each other.

They welcomed eight children into their home. He was a provider and protector. He was the best listener and had a sense of calmness that his children relied on. He taught them practical things like turning off lights, not leaving the front door open, and how to sweep the kitchen floor, but also how to be a hard worker, how to be generous, and how to be loyal. He shared his love of the Savior in word and deed.

 Church service was always part of his life. He served as a financial clerk multiple times and a bishopric member three times. Perhaps where his influence was felt the most was working with the young men in several different wards. He loved to play basketball with them but taught the gospel with conviction and encouraged many to serve missions.

As a professional, he worked for Olympus Oil and later for Huntsman Chemical and affiliated companies for 41 years. One Christmas, one of his kids got him a red keychain that read Workaholic. He was well-respected and worked hard at his job. He often turned to prayer when issues arose. After a problem occurred, one of his coworkers said, I know you’ll know what to do in the morning after going home to pray about it.

In later life, he was lucky to travel the world. He and Becky lived in Basel, Switzerland for 16 months where they enjoyed many European destinations. He made it to all 50 states and traveled to five of the seven continents. He always commented that he never would have dreamed as a boy in Malad that he would see so much of the world, and he was always so grateful to his Heavenly Father for that opportunity.

After retirement, he also enjoyed being in nature and hiking. He went on many adventures with grandchildren and co-hosted amazing family reunions. He was often found holding babies and toddlers.

He will be most remembered for his quiet nature. He had no need for loud fanfare or recognition. He was very intentional with his words. People will most remember his radiant smile. His goodness and love were felt in that small gesture

 He is survived by his wife, Becky; seven children, Rachel, Matt, Sarah, David, Mike, Liz, and Abby; 28 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his three sisters: Shelda, Judy, and Geraldine. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Becca; his brother, Boyd; and his parents.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10 am at Vernal 3rd Ward Chapel (475 West 100 South Vernal UT 84078) with viewings held Friday, May 15, 2026 from 6-8 PM at the Blackburn Mortuary and 1 hr prior to service at the Chapel. Burial in the Vernal Memorial Park.