[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 182 (Friday, October 23, 2020)]
[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

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                          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.

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