Granville Morgan

Granville H. Morgan, 84, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on September 12, 2018, at his home. He was born on July 20, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Granville Hackett and Leola Morgan-O’Nan, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a step-father, Shellie O’Nan. After graduating from Northeast High School in 1952, The St. Louis Cardinals requested that Granville try out for their minor league operations. Granville was a career cartographer. He served in the United States Army and was employed by two cartography firms - United States Army Map Services and M.J. Harden & Associates of Kansas City. During his military career, Granville served a tour in Germany. While employed with Army Map Services, he was contracted by the Army to teach cartography to enlisted service members in Vietnam. During retirement, he was employed at Eagle Fluid Power in Lee’s Summit. For over twenty years, he coached countless youngsters in baseball, softball, football, and basketball in various Raytown youth leagues. As a result of those many experiences, numerous friends and family members referred to him simply as “Coach.” Granville is survived by a wife, Donna Morgan of Independence, who he married on July 6, 1990. He is also survived by three daughters, Kathy Staihr (Mike) of Lee’s Summit, Kristin Gochenour (Todd) of Raymore, and Kim Berkstresser (Greg) of Lee’s Summit; a step-son, Jay Smith (Laura) of Liberty; a step-daughter, Tandy Smith of Kansas City; six grandchildren, Michael (Sarah), Katie, and Connor Staihr; Allison Gochenour; and Corbin and Morgan Berkstresser; two step-grandchildren, Cameron and Hailey Smith; and two great grandchildren, Canon and Lincoln Staihr. Granville was a caring, devoted, and generous man who dearly loved his family and friends. He greatly enjoyed John Wayne movies, target shooting, the stock market, his dog Oscar, the Royals, the Chiefs, the Mizzou Tigers, and buffets. Granville was loved and appreciated for his kindness, sincerity, generosity, sense of humor, and sharp wit. The visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. A second visitation will be held from 10-11:00 a.m. followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 19, at Odessa Baptist Church, 100 Hwy OO, Odessa, MO. Burial to follow at Odessa Cemetery. The family has asked that donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Odessa. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)