Deseret Morning News, 08/08/03

LOGAN, UT - Floyd Thomas Morgan died peacefully Aug 4, 2003 following an extended illness. He was 93. Floyd's passing brings down the final curtain on a lifelong career devoted to the Utah State University Theatre Arts Program. He was a member of the USU faculty for 47 years. He was hired as an instructor in Speech in 1934, became a professor of Theatre when that area became part of the Fine Arts Department, and served as head of the Theatre Arts Department until July 1, 1975. During these rich years he directed more than 125 plays, designed approximately 300 sets, and performed at least 80 roles.

Floyd was born March 12, 1910, in Weston, ID the son of Ezra and Christina Peterson Morgan. His mother died when he was two months-old and he was cared for by his grandfather. Thomas Morgan. and his "other moth-er," Martha Burris, until he was 12. He attended Weston High School where he was valedictorian of his graduating class. His college experience began at Ricks College where he attended before enrolling at USU majoring in Speech and Drama. He graduated in 1934. He later attended the University of Wisconsin and the University of Iowa where he received his Masters Degree. He did further graduate work at Stanford University. He married Edith Welch in 1935 and they shared a long and devoted life together until Edith died Dec 3, 2000.

He is survived by members of extended Welch and Morgan families; many dear friends; caring neighbors; and following brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert S. (Shirley) Welch, Bountiful, John S. (Unita) Welch, La Canada, CA, Julia Siringer, Eureka, CA. He was preceded in death by five siblings. The entire state and region felt the impact of Floyd's talents. He consulted with the founders of Pierre Playhouse, Victor, ID and on the design of the theatre buildings at Southern Utah University. He designed the sets and acted in the production of "Look on the Land" for the Cache Valley Centennial. At USU he organized the Hilltop Amateur Dramatic Society, and in 1947 served as director, designer, and Jour manager for the Utah State Theatre Company, which toured the state during Utah's Centennial Year. Floyd received frequent recognition throughout his career topped by the decision in 1981 to name the theatre in the Chase Fine Arts Center the "Floyd Thomas Morgan Theatre." This was followed by his induction into the Utah Theatre Hall of Fame by the Pioneer State Theatre Foundation. In 1971, Professor Morgan was honored by his colleagues and friends when they established a scholarship for Theatre students in his name. A memorial service hosted by the USU Theatre Department to honor and celebrate Floyd and Edith's contribution to the USU theatre program is being planned. Date and time will be announced later. Professor Morgan was a member of the American Association of University Professors, American Theatre Association, Rocky Mountain Theatre Conference, American Association of Community Theatre, and Theta Alpha Phi. Floyd and Edith were charter members of Allied Arts and after they retired they helped organize the Valley Players. Floyd will be remembered and loved by three generations of USU theatre arts students. He served for two years during World War II in the U.S. Army. He preformed ad-ministrative duties at military installations on the West Coast. He was a member of the LDS Church. Graveside services 12 noon Sat. Aug 9, 2003 Mendon City Cemetery, where burial will take place.

Published in the Deseret News on 8/8/2003.