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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. GENE MORGAN
______
HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 23, 2020
Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise
today on behalf of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, the Kansas
City community, and the Jackson County Democratic Committee. I rise
today to honor the memory of Mr. Gene Morgan, a lifelong Kansas Citian
whose dedication to serving others will have an enduring impact
throughout our community.
Scripture says, in 2 Corinthians 9:7, that each of us ``must give as
he has decided in his heart, for God loves a cheerful giver.'' There is
no doubt Gene was a cheerful giver of his time, energy, and intellect.
Gene made it a lifelong goal to work on achieving criminal justice
reform in Kansas City. After seeing how substance abuse impacted
children in the juvenile court system, he was elected President of the
Kansas City Community Center. Fueled by his unwavering belief that
people could change for the better and improve their lives when given
the opportunity, Gene promoted drug rehabilitation and treatment
services throughout his tenure. As an Adjunct Professor in the Criminal
Justice Department at the Metropolitan Community College, he mentored
the next generation of advocates and prepared them to engage our
community in discussions on crime prevention and justice reform. As a
member of the Jackson County Community Backed Anti-Crime Tax (COMBAT)
Commission, he worked tirelessly to ensure Kansas City residents could
live free from the dangers of illegal drugs and violent crime through
the use of prevention, education and treatment services. And as the
Parliamentarian and Ward 4 Committeeman for the Jackson County
Democratic Committee, he whole-heartedly supported candidates and
elected officials dedicated to reforming a system that incarcerates too
many and rehabilitates too few--costing us too much money and too many
lives.
Public service has long been a family affair for Gene and his wife,
Judy, who currently serves as the State Representative for the 24th
district in Jackson County. During fifty years of fruitful and devoted
marriage, Gene cheered Judy on as she taught and counseled students in
the Kansas City Public School District. When Judy decided the best way
to continue serving others was through elected office, Gene served as
her campaign manager and treasurer, always by her side lending his
steadfast support.
While he was an active participant in politics, attending countless
community events and helping elect candidates across our city and
state, Gene never lost sight of the central reason he decided to
dedicate his life to public service. It was the same reason--the same
motivational force--that drove him out of bed every morning with the
verve and optimism to find success in the face of adversity. That
reason, as anyone who knew him will tell you, was his enduring love for
the people he served. When working the room at a committee meeting or
greeting guests at a fundraiser, he always took an extra moment with
each person to ask them questions about their personal lives. He asked
these questions not to pry or feign sincerity, but because his passion
for service was fueled by an unwavering desire to empathize and help
people rise above the adversity in their lives. If Gene heard you were
struggling or facing a problem, he was the first to lend a helping hand
and a shoulder to lean on. After learning of his death, countless
friends, family, and colleagues came together to share anecdotes about
how Gene had positively impacted their lives. A common thread, woven
through each person's happy memory of Gene, was his presence in their
lives as a ``true friend.'' This is a title earned through years of
continuously looking out for others.
Back in May, Judy was on her way back from Jefferson City after
honorably representing her constituents when she received the phone
call that too many families are familiar with, especially during the
on-going public health crisis. Gene was experiencing pain and on his
way to the Emergency Room. Judy was able to visit with him for a brief
period of time, before leaving pursuant to COVID-19 precautions. When
informing supporters and friends of his condition, Judy explained that
while she was physically unable to be with him, her ``thoughts [were]
only with Gene.'' Judy spent the next five months as she had spent the
previous fifty years--providing unconditional love and care for Gene.
Sadly, his condition worsened until October 9th, when his brave battle
with cancer came to an end. While we mourn Gene's death, we find solace
knowing that in the waning months of a life well-lived he was never
alone, as his beloved partner in life and in service was with him in
person and spirit until his final moments.
Today, the thoughts of Kansas City, the Metropolitan Community
College, and the Jackson County Democratic Committee are with Judy,
their daughter Courtney, their son-in-law Robert, and their
grandchildren Alex and Olivia, as they celebrate and remember the life
and legacy of Gene Morgan. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring
Gene's legacy and offering heartfelt condolences to his family. In his
passing, Gene leaves behind a family that is more cohesive because of
his contribution, a city that is stronger because of his service, and a
union that is more perfect because of his presence.
____________________
