Joan Lea Nunan

Joan Lea (Morgan) Nunan passed away peacefully on December 3, 2022, at her home in Edina, MO surrounded by her family.

Born July 30, 1933 in Brighton, Iowa, Joan was the daughter of the late Bryan and Mildred (Lowe) Morgan. She was one of seven children. She was united in marriage to William E. Nunan on June 15, 1951. Together they raised two children, a daughter and a son.

Joan is survived by a daughter, Bridgett Nunan, of Edina, MO and a granddaughter, Morgan Nunan (Johnny) of Pueblo, CO as well as a granddog Maxwell, special niece and caregiver Brenda Nash, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings Gertrude (Steve) Cowan, Viola (Bill) Aquino, Ethel (Keith) Glider, Marjorie (Herb) Nash, Gilbert Morgan, and Carrie (Everett) Parson along with a special sister-in-law Geri Morgan.

After marriage, Joan moved to a farm southeast of Hurdland, MO.  She worked very hard on the family farm while continuing her education at NEMO Secretarial College in Kirksville, MO.  After getting her degree, she began working at NEMO State Teachers College for a time. After leaving the college, she began working for Kenny Hustead Trucking as a bookkeeper.  In 1973, along with her sister Carrie, Joan open Parson & Nunan Inc.  The sisters operated the business until Carrie’s passing in 1997 at which time Joan’s daughter, Bridgett, became a partner.  Joan continued working in the business until her retirement in 2018 at the age of 84.  Joan worked for numerous clients during her 45 years of service to the trucking business.  To her, they were more than clients.  They were her friends and she even considered some of them family. 

Joan valued education and was always open for new learning opportunities.  She obtained her brokers and agents insurance and real estate licenses after beginning her business. She was a proud certified Woman Owned Business through the state of Missouri.  She was an antique enthusiast and loved attending auctions with her friends, searching for pieces to add to her expansive collection.  For a time, she even owned and operated The Old and New shop, an antique and consignment auction house.  When not learning or working, Joan enjoyed her weekends at the casino.  She could gamble the night away, giving her mind a welcome reprieve from her busy work schedule.

Joan touched many hearts in her well lived life.  She was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need.  She was kind, honest, and generous.  Family was very important to her.  She loved spending time with her siblings and extended family where playing cards was a favorite pastime.  However, she found her greatest joy in being with her daughter Bridgett and granddaughter Morgan.  She was beyond proud of them.

It was Joan’s request to be cremated.  A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at the Knox County Community Center in Edina, MO.  There will be a meal with serving to begin at noon.  A service to honor her life will begin at 2 pm. 

Arrangements are under the direction of PATHWAY-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 411 Union Avenue, Moberly, Missouri 65270 (660) 263-7284. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.pathwaymemorial.com.