J Morgan Donelson, of Princeton, Missouri, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the age of 92. J Morgan was born July 26, 1924 in Princeton, Missouri, the son of Joseph Morgan and Hallie (Hubbard) Donelson.
J Morgan was a World War II veteran in the Army Air Force from 1944 to 1946. He was educated in the public schools of Mercer County, and graduated from Princeton High School. He attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, and the University of Missouri at Columbia, where he attended the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the School of Law. He was awarded the degree of Juris Doctor in 1950.
J Morgan was united in marriage on November 15, 1950 to Jeania Hyde. Together they had two children daughter, Catherine Lorene and son, Justin Brian. In 1950, J Morgan began the general practice of law, both trial and appellate work with criminal, equity, and domestic, juvenile and damage cases. During a portion of this time, 1951-1957, he served as prosecuting attorney of Mercer County. He served as a Representative in the 69th General Assembly from 1957 to 1959. He then ran for Judge of the 3rd Judicial Circuit and was elected in 1958 to this honorable position, in which he served until his retirement in 1994. After retirement, he served as a Senior Judge from 1994 to 1999.
In 1965 the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of Missouri elected J Morgan Donelson to the highest office in its power to bestow upon a brother, by electing him to the office of Worthy Grand Patron. He was a Past Patron of Moella Chapter No. 225, at Princeton, and served on various committees in the Grand Chapter.
On September, 1960, he was appointed at the foot of the progressive line of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Missouri, through which he advanced regularly until his installation as Most Worshipful Grand Master on September 30, 1969. He was a Past Master of Mercer Lodge No. 35 A.F. & A.M. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church, Phi Alpha Delta, legal fraternity, American Legion, Rotary Club, Missouri Bar Association, Mercer County Bar Association, Third Judicial Bar Association, and Ninth Congressional District of Missouri Association of Republicans. Other activities include owning and operating a cattle farm raising Polled Hereford cattle and traveling the world with his wife, Jeania.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Catherine, son Justin Brian, and a brother John Paul Donelson. He is survived by his wife, Jeania, daughter-in-law Tammy Donelson of Princeton, Missouri, three grandchildren, Justin Wayne (Stephanie) Donelson of Greensboro, Georgia, James Tyson (Jessica) Donelson, and Stacy Donelson of Princeton, Missouri, four great grandchildren, Anniston and James Korbin Donelson of Princeton, Missouri, and Justin Morgan and Gwyndolin Donelson of Greensboro, Georgia.
J Morgan was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather with the happiness of the family being of the utmost importance. He enjoyed spending time with the grandkids and sharing stories of his travels. He never knew a stranger and was the perfect role model to the younger generations. He always taught to pursue what you love and to work hard for what you believe.
A Celebration of Life will be held November 26, 2016 in Princeton, Missouri details of which will be forthcoming. Memorial gifts may be made to a scholarship fund for the J Morgan Donelson Memorial Scholarship to be given to a Princeton and Mercer High School graduate. Memorial gifts may be sent to: Roberson Funeral Homes, Inc., P.O. Box 316, Princeton, Missouri 64673.