Kenneth Garland Morton, Sr.

Published 10:40 am Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Morton, Kenneth Garland, Sr., 86 years old, of Burkeville and most recently The Masonic Home of Virginia went home to be with Jesus January 4, 2019. He was predeceased by his parents John Booker and Lucie Collins Morton and by his beloved first wife Lorene B. Morton, his high school sweetheart. His heavenly reunion will also include his youngest daughter Sandra Morton Eagle, his stepson Dwight Dean Roberts, and three of his five sisters. As a long-distance truck driver he drove for E R Carpenter for 36 years, where he traveled millions of accident-free-miles. He probably holds the record for driving the most miles, and for having been the safest driver in the history of the company.

He is survived by his wife, Jerrell Simmons Morton, two children, Debra Burnette (Bill) Mechanicsville and Kenneth Morton Jr. (Karen) Powhatan; three stepchildren for whom he has been a loving father figure for many years, Mitzi, Ricky, and Brad; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. In his retirement, he became known as a painter and general contractor who worked for pennies who could not meet the demands of those desiring the perfect touch of his workmanship. Kenneth worked tirelessly to meet the needs of his community in the service of giving back. Helping those in need was his pride and joy. He served as a Master Mason of Burke Lodge in Burkeville. He found his home in this organization as their mission was to help all mankind, a message he held close to his heart. In addition he was a Deacon and a Trustee at Burkeville Baptist Church. This self-made yet humble man who started as a tobacco farmer went on to be a professional in so many areas. He wanted most to make a difference where he lived, worked, and most of all for his family. He talked the walk and walked the talk.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Burkeville Baptist Church, Burkeville, on Wednesday January 9, 2019 at 1 p.m. A reception in the Fellowship Hall of the church will follow the service and is for all friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association, Burkeville Baptist Church, or The Masonic Home of Virginia. The family wishes to thank all family, friends, and especially all of his many caretakers at The Masonic Home of Virginia for the joy, friendship, love, and comfort they have provided in past months. “In his eyes there is no such thing as a stranger, no such thing as hate, but instead everyone is family, everyone is loved, and everyone is a blessing and will always be taken care of no matter what the circumstances are.”

— William Christopher Morton about his beloved grandfather