Morris N. O'Quin

Morris N. O'Quin Sr., age 86, passed away Monday, May 21, 2012 at his home in Forrest City, Arkansas. All that had an opportunity to know him knew him as a wise, generous, benevolent, and positive person. He was unwavering in his beliefs and put God, Family, and Church as his most important priorities. Morris was born January 5, 1926 in Jayess, Mississippi, one of six children, to Samuel Oscar O'Quin and Rebecca Boyd O'Quin. The O'Quin's were farmers of cotton, corn, hay, and vegetables on their 30-acre farm. Morris married Gloria Bass O'Quin of Parkin, Ark. on April 30, 1958 and celebrated 53 years of life together. They had two children Morris O'Quin Jr. and Karen O'Quin. Morris was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Armed Services, serving in World War II and in the Korean War, rising from the level of Private to Corporal. In WWII, at 18 years of age, his unit, Company B of the 29th Infantry, served in the Rhineland and Central European campaigns where he fought in Germany and France from 1944 to 1946 as a rifleman and squad leader. He received the European/African/ Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He returned to fight in the Korean War from 1950 to 1951. He attended Southern Mississippi Junior College for 2 years from 1947 to 1949, between the two wars. He completed his degree and graduated with a BS in Agriculture at Mississippi State University in 1952. He concurrently worked to support himself and pay for his education while in school. Later, he returned to University of Arkansas where he received his MBA in Agribusiness in 1978. Morris went to work for the U.S. County Extension Agency in Cross County as a County Extension Agent and lived in Wynne, Ark. in 1952. He moved to Paris, AR in 1958 and took the County Agent position for Sebastian, County. During this time he lived in Paris, Fort Smith, and Russellville, Ark. In 1969, Morris moved to Forrest City, Ark. and became the County Extension Agent for St. Francis County until he retired in 1982, with 30 years of service. In 1982, Morris began a second career at the First National Bank of Eastern Arkansas as a Vice President and Loan Officer. He worked for 20 years and retired at 76 years old, in 2002. During this time he started his own Agricultural Crop Consulting Business, O'Quin Crop Consulting, and actively supported the farmers of St. Francis County. Morris passionately participated in the First Baptist Church of Forrest City and served as Chairman of the Deacons and taught the Men's Sunday School, class for over 20 years. He was a 60 year member and Master Mason of the Fraternity of Free Masons in the Pine Lodge No. 383 at Enon, Miss. He also served on the Board of Directors for First National Bank, Board or Directors of the Forrest City Lions Club, President of the Forrest City Lions Club, President of the Chamber of Commerce, supported the 4-H program of Saint Francis County, and taught Agriculture Classes at East Arkansas Community College. His son Morris Jr. and wife Gloria preceded him in death in 2010 and 2011. His daughter, Karen O'Quin and grandson, Colin O'Quin of Atlanta, Ga. and his daughter-in-law Dana O'Quin and grandchildren, Marrick O'Quin and Morgan O'Quin of Harrison, Ark. survive him. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 26, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Forrest City at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Cogbill Cemetery in Wynne, Arkansas. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 Friday at funeral Home. Visit online registry at stevensfuneralhome.net. Under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.