Walter MORTON

Walter H. Morton, 88, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2006 at Lake Hills Inn in Lake Havasu City, AZ. He was born on September 7, 1917 in Cooleemee, NC to Cullpepper and Cora Morton.Walter was in the Navy for 17 years and most of that time he played baseball for the Navy. While in the service he met his wife-to-be in between a double header baseball game. After the service Walter was a Customs Inspector in the Panama Canal Zone, where all the Morton kids were born; two sons and one daughter. The family moved to the United States in 1954.The family settled in Southern California and Walter worked for ITT Gilfillan until the kids grew up and left. Walter and Bess then moved all over, first to Oregon where he worked for the USDA Forest Services, they lived there for 18 years. The next moves were to Glendora, CA, West Covina, CA, Palm Springs, CA, North Carolina and then finally to Lake Havasu City, AZ, where they resided for the past 11 years.Walter was a Master Mason in the Masonic Lodge and while in Oregon he became a Lion. The Lions organization was very close to Walter’s heart and he held most of the offices in Lions and was most proud of being a District Governor in Oregon. Walter was looking forward to his daughter, Margie Tellkamp becoming a District Governor in Lions 21-A next month. Walter’s favorite things besides family were the Diamondbacks and NASCAR, especially #24 Jeff Gordon.Walter is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Bess Morton of Lake Havasu City; sons, Jim Morton and his wife Charlene of Shingletown, CA, Wally Morton and his wife Linda of Redding, CA; daughter, Margie Tellkamp and her husband Bob of Lake Havasu City; Walter’s only sister, Jackie Morton from Cooleemee, NC and the loving family dog, Sassy. Walter had 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his 3 brothers, Harold, Robert and Culvin.The family said, Walter, Dad, Grandpa, Brother and Uncle was loved and will be missed.Memorial services will be held at 11:00 pm, Monday, January 16, 2006 at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. The family has asked for donations to be made in his name to the Lions Foundation of Lake Havasu City, Dog Park.Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory made arrangements.