Ray Morton, 91, son of Bert Morton and Minta (Stricklin) Morton, was born Aug. 10, 1924, in Houston, Mo. He passed away at Autumn Oaks Caring Center in Mountain Grove, Mo., on April 3, 2016.
He lived east of town on a gravel road that is now known as Morton Road, where family members still reside.
He married Clemmie Floyd on Feb. 8, 1947, and just recently celebrated 69 years of marriage.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Ervin, J.D., Grace and Fern.
He is survived by his wife, Clemmie of Houston, Mo.; two sons, Tom and his wife, Betsy, of Des Peres, Mo., and Roy and his wife, Shannan, of Sikeston, Mo.; and one daughter, Kathy and her husband, Roy, Lynn of Boulder City, Nev.
He has 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by one sister, Velma Harrah of Houston, Mo.
He loved working with his hands, particularly making quality walnut furniture. He was very active in the design and building of the First Free Will Baptist Church in Houston, Mo. He designed and built the original pulpit for this church, as well as the lighted cross on the exterior wall. He was a charter member of the Fist Free Will Baptist Church as well as a deacon.
He loved to sing and play the guitar and harmonica.
He served our country in the Army from 1943-’46 in the Pacific Theater.
After he retired in 1991, he and his wife traveled every year to the southwest.
Ray loved his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought so much joy into his life. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Visitation is 1-2 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at Evans Funeral Home. Services will follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Danny Delcour officiating. Burial will be in Boone Creek Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers are Chris Morton, Jeremy Morton, Brandon Winchester, Matt Winchester, Trampas Johnston, Trever Johnston and Will Morton.
Memorials may be made to the Houston First Free Will Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.evansfh.com.
