Gerald J. Morton

Gerald J. Morton was born on March 31, 1928. The son of Ora Ann Walker and Tom Morton, the brother, of Carl, Raymond, David and Basil Morton along with their sisters, Latrice Reed and Tressie Brown. All preceding him to our Heavenly Father's call. Gerald also answered that call on May 23, 2014.

Gerald spent his life in service to others. As a veteran of the Korean conflict in the United States Air Force, where he served with distinction in their communications division. After the Air Force Gerald continued that service with the FAA for more than 30 years in several different roles. His service was not just to our country, however, it included those within his very own community -- if you could not find Gerald at work then perhaps you could find him on the community baseball field where he taught his children as well as their friends on several different baseball teams. Gerard also served as a sales associate at Cosentino's, where he served customers there for more than 15 years. If you could not find Gerald there he was most likely at home with his loving wife of 58 years, Shirley Moneymaker Morton.

Gerald lived a full life surrounded by his wife and children. His daughter, Suzanne Morton-Mumper, gave him two wonderful grandchildren. Michelle, who married Chris Proctor, and provided more joy to Gerald's life with four great-grandchildren, Owen, Brylee, Hutson and Maddy. Sarah married Chris Smith and together more love was added to the Morton home with their addition of Colton and Olivia Smith. His son, Wesley J. Morton, of Nevada Mo., continues the honorable profession of serving others. As a high school teacher, Wesley strives each day to pass on the lessons his father taught him. Gerald had a passion and love for music -- he could always be found with his harmonica or guitar nearby. That love and passion lives on every day when Wesley teaches his music classes.

The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Joseph's ICU department for their care and compassion for Gerald.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m., Monday, May 26, at the First Baptist Church of Raymore, with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will be in Belton Cemetery, Belton, Mo.

Arrangements are made by the Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore.