Veldon Arthor Morgan

June 3, 1935 – February 26, 2022

Veldon Morgan, 86, of Hot Springs passed away under the very good care of the Hot Springs VA Hospice on Feb. 26, 2022, following a more than 10 year battle with cancer. He was born in Tuthill, S.D., on June 3, 1935, to Vernon Morgan and Margeree Hines Morgan.

Veldon moved with his Dad to Lusk, Wyo., in 1948, where he learned to make saddles. He also worked for a ranch operated by Dan Hansen and then later joined the U.S. Marines. Afterwards, he went to work on the Spade Ranch near Ellsworth, Neb., in the fall of 1955. The Spade Ranch and the Hamilton Ranch bordered each other, which is how he met his future wife Wanda Hamilton. The two were married on Dec. 14, 1958, in Gordon and had three children: Vonna Morgan of Amaretto, Texas; Wade (Jolynn) Morgan of Ellsworth, Neb.; and Wayne (Roselie) Morgan of Azle, Texas.

Veldon was an inventor. He invented a groomer that grooms horses, cattle and pets, along with a very special bit for horses, and many other items.

Veldon and Wanda were in the manufacturing business for many years and sold a major part of the business to Weaver Leather of Mt. Hope, Ohio. The couple operated a pair of businesses together in Hot Springs for many years, which is where you could always find Veldon, right up until a few weeks prior to his death.

Veldon's real love was making saddles. He developed the Charlee Russell saddle, which was endorsed by them and numbered 1 of 100. Veldon also developed the Spade Ranch Saddle, in honor of Lawrence Bixley Spade Ranch. His love for Lawrence showed in the beautiful saddle he produced.

Veldon had so many talents, it is difficult to mention them all. His saddle shop was the love of his life, along with his customers. He was also an excellent bronc rider. He could tell you every bronc that he got on, and also the contractor that supplied the bucking horses. Veldon was nominated for the Tri-State Cowboy of the Year in 2013 in Gordon, Neb. He also just recently received his 60 year pin from the Masonic Lodge.

In addition to his three children, Veldon is also survived by nine grandchildren, including: Amanda (Kyler) Hale of Amarillo, Texas; Shae (Tim) Gray of Shelton, Wash. (2 children); Kynlee (Jeremy) Clayton of West Plains, Mo.; Kyle Kistler of Bismark, N.D. (2 children); Brittany (Drew) Peterson of Chadron, Neb. (3 children); Brandy (Andrew) Soucie of Gering, Neb. (2 children); Ashley Morgan of Austin, Texas; Lindsey Morgan of Madison, Wis.; and Alex Morgan of Vale, Colo.

He is also survived by a dear sister-in-law Alyce Morgan of LaPorte, Colo., and some special cousins including Judy Morgan of Omaha, Neb., Dr. John Knecht of Rapid City, and Chub & Soni Wilcox of Hot Springs. In 2006, Louise Blacksmith Long Soldier adopted Veldon as her brother. Veldon and Louise's brother Pete Blacksmith were best friends. Louise passed away but her daughter Fedelia and son-in-law Robert Cross are Veldon's adopted family.

Loved ones who passed away before Veldon include his parents and a dear brother Craig Morgan and sister Verona Baldwin.

When we lose someone, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind.

A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.