David William Morgan, PhD

David William Morgan, PhD, born on June 11, 1944, in Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky. Dr. Morgan's remarkable life was characterized by a commitment to education, professional excellence, musical talent and community involvement.

Dr. Morgan's educational journey began at Earlville Central School in New York, followed by earning a Bachelor's degree in Zoology/Chemistry from the University of Georgia. He further advanced his studies at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography and culminated his academic pursuits by earning his PhD in 1973. For his PhD dissertation, he conducted his research of captive beluga whales at the New York Aquarium and organized expeditions to the Saguenay River in Quebec, Canada to further study the underwater sounds and behavior of the white whales in the wild. His educational accomplishments were a source of pride and a testament to his dedication to lifelong learning.

A dedicated educator, Dr. Morgan served as a professor at the University of Notre Dame from 1972 to 1980, where he was honored with the Madden Award for Excellence in Teaching Freshman Students. His passion for teaching continued at Indiana University, where he instructed students on both the Bloomington and Purdue campuses from 1981 to 1983. Transitioning to a pivotal role in public service, Dr. Morgan worked for the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Department for Environmental Protection, Division of Water, from 1984 until his retirement in 2007, during which time he rose to the position of Division Director.

After retiring, Dr. Morgan remained an active participant in his community. He was a founding member of the Visioneers and played a significant role in the creation of the Owen County Tourism Commission, reflecting his commitment to enhancing the community he cherished. Alongside his wife, Joy, he owned and operated Serenity Woods Cottage since 2008, creating a welcoming space for visitors and fostering connections within the area.

Dr. Morgan was also a lover of music, coming from a family with deep musical roots. He loved nothing more than playing piano while his grandchildren sat beside him on the piano bench or danced around the room. He was a voracious reader and owned an extensive library. For many years, he bought and sold antique books, records and his numerous auction finds.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Joy Bourne Morgan; his children, Brielle (Logan) Neilson and Nathan (Amber) Gregory; his grandchildren, Stella and Simone Neilson and Emma and Landon Gregory; and his sister, Joan (John) Hall. He was preceded in death by his parents, Seth Earl Morgan and Jean Mills Morgan.

He and Joy shared a love of travel, visiting all 50 states as well as the 10 lower provinces of Canada together. They made many memories while visiting 58 of the 63 national parks in the United States and many national parks in Canada, always preferring the natural beauty and serenity to crowded cities and lots of people. 

A visitation will be held in his honor on September 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM, both at New Funeral Homes, located at 202 N. Main Street, Owenton, Kentucky.

Memorial contributions in Dr. Morgan's honor may be made to Dr. Larry Johnson's Brazil Mission or to an environmental group of one's choosing.