David William Morgan

David William Morgan, the only child of David T. and Wanda Morgan was born on April 26, 1952, in Scranton Pennsylvania. He peacefully departed this life on November 28, 2023, at the age of 71.

Dave spent his early childhood years in Scranton PA with his mother and father. He shared both sweet and sad memories of that time, and would often tell funny stories about his beagle, John. Dave started his lifelong entrepreneurship at a young age in Pennsylvania where he started with a single paper route and by the age of 14 had turned it into a 3-route job that he would do on his bicycle 7 days a week. His mom and dad had a strong relationship with their RLDS Church family and loved the church camp reunions. It was at one of these reunions in the summer of 1964 that Dave Morgan Sr. was offered a position at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa.

Dave thrived in the culture of Lamoni and in the school system. He was a team player and loved playing basketball, football, baseball, and softball. He was also involved with the Student Council, FTA, yearbook staff, drama club, and high school chorus. He worked after school at the Lamoni Hy-Vee grocery store. He had a special gift with numbers. There were no scanners at the checkout counter in those days and Dave knew every price of every item in that store.

After graduation, Dave was college bound. He attended classes at Graceland while working full-time at the Standard Oil Service Station for Rich Welch. His studies were aimed at later becoming a pharmacist under the guidance of key people in the Hy-Vee organization. He graduated with his BA in 1975. He decided at that point that he would be happier working for himself, so he began to pursue an MBA at Maryville.

Dave married Pamela Bolinger in 1976, and they were blessed with one daughter, Niccole, the joy of their lives. Dave was driven to keep his family financially stable. He curbed cars that he bought at the auto auctions to pay for their home while he worked at building his business selling insurance. He also owned and operated the Dairy Landing for a year, making “the best tenderloins and onion rings in the county”.

In 1978, Dave took a chance – as a chance to better use his sales skills in his true entrepreneurial spirit. He started his real estate journey and opened Preferred Properties Ltd. of Lamoni. He grew his company into one of the most trusted independent real estate services in the area. Dave had the foresight to diversify his business endeavors and responded to the need for a community storage facility. He built his first LockBox Mini Storage building in the late 1980’s. Over the next 4 decades he nurtured his business adventures into a cornerstone of Lamoni life.

Dave was an anchor to the business community, a mentor to students and young entrepreneurs. He was a force of economic development, advising people on business startups, exploring viable economic solutions, and recruiting businesses to bolster our local economy.

In 2003 Dave began his life’s walk with Lisa McLain. Over 20 years they shared much love, laughter, and adventures. Through all the wonderful joys, and several heartbreaking losses, they carried each other’s griefs and loved through it all. They were a true team, working hand in hand every day.

Preceding him in death were his parents; David T. Morgan and Wanda Morgan, wife, Pamela Morgan; and daughter, Niccole Morgan Schmidt.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa McLain of Lamoni, Iowa and many close friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date which will be announced after the first of the new year.