Dell Verlon Morgan

Dell V. Morgan passed away on December 28th in Palm Springs, California. She was born on December 17th 1933 in Henryetta, Oklahoma to her parents, Opal K. Morgan and Rev. Dr. Arthur C. Morgan. She was born just minutes after her twin brother Don. Arthur & Opal were active in the Nazarene church where Arthur served as pastor, and district superintendent. As a result, they moved regularly calling St. Paul, Minnesota, Boise and Nampa, Idaho, and Valparaiso, Indiana among others.

After graduation from John A Johnson HS with distinction in 1952, she enrolled in Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho. Later she continued her studies at Indiana University at Indianapolis School of Public and Environmental Affairs where she received a bachelor’s degree in Metropolitan Studies in 1975.

Dell married William J. Chumley on August 27th 1955, in Gary, Indiana. After returning from William's military service in Nauheim and then Stuttgart, Germany, they settled in Indianapolis, Indiana where they raised sons Jonathan, and Mark Chumley. William and Dell divorced in the 70's but respectfully co-parented the boys.

Later in life Dell moved to Venice, California where she met and married Byron Morgan, the father of 8 children Trish, Marya, Heather, Laura, Melissa, Byron Jr., John and Peter.

Dell's professional life included a variety of jobs including: Managing Volunteer offices for Mayor Richard Lugar (future US Senator) in Indianapolis; Real Estate Broker/Agent (1980 Listing Agent of the Year); and working with Byron to develop historically based scripts, books and audio books.

Her passion for community service led to many volunteer opportunities where she applied her skills to a variety of organizations including VP of The Old Northside historic district (Indianapolis), Venice, CA Town Council (President), Palm Springs Air Museum, All Peoples Presbyterian Church (Board President) in Cathedral City.

Wherever Dell went, she made a point of meeting and making friends that she enjoyed getting together with to make positive impact in the community, play Mexican train, board games, puzzles, reading and public speaking (Toastmasters). She looked forward to her time with her Pulmonary Therapy group and socializing at the Mizell Center. She would often spend Sunday afternoons at her condo reading, relaxing and spending time with Marya.

Dell will be greatly missed by her family, friends and community.

All Peoples Presbyterian church hosted a wonderful Celebration of life service on January 3rd 2026. There may be another service later in the year, and we will update this post to notify interested individual who would like to pay their respects and celebrate her life.

Dell was proceeded in death by her parents, husband Byron Morgan and Twin Brother Don Morgan. She is survived by Jonathan Chumley (Son) and Joni Pasla (Son in Law), Mark Chumley (Son) and Beja Chumley (Daughter in Law) and her wonderful Grand Daughter Danica Chumley.

Dell is to be laid to rest along-side her beloved Byron at Arlington National Cemetery.