Donald Gene Morton

2/1/1932 – 2/28/2025

Donald Gene Morton passed away peacefully on Friday February 28th, 2025 at 10:50 PM at the age of 93.

Donald was born to Ellis and Helen Morton in Denver, Colorado. He was the 5th oldest child with 13 other brothers and sisters.

He is the loving father of Melody Biehl (Ken), Michelle Inserra (Paul), and Sharon Morton. He is a loved and cherished grandfather of Heidi Pena (Fred), Holly Crane (Scott), Anthony Morton, and Nichole Enriquez. He is the sweet great-grandpa of Isaiah Crane (Jennifer), Lola Crane, Victoria Pena, Ezekiel Pena, Janelle Enriquez, Andrea Enriquez, Noah Enriquez, and Sydney Watson (Matt) and a great-great grandpa to Brooks Watson, Blair Watson and Maverick Crane.

Donald is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, LaVonne Morton. He is preceded in death by his father, Ellis Morton and mother, Helen Morton, and 11 of his siblings. He has two surviving siblings, Jim Morton and Lois Petty.

Donald lived in Denver until he was 13, where the family moved to Richland, WA. He attended and graduated from Richland High School.

Donald and LaVonne were married on September 24, 1954. They made their home in Benton City. They met at a church meeting, where LaVonne was inquiring about Donald with several of his sisters. They courted for 3 years while Donald was in the Army as a cook.

Donald worked in the Hanford area as a Radiation Monitor for over 37 years. He had an ideal job which involved fishing, hunting, testing wells and driving boats.

Donald was a handy man and built an addition on their home, as well as installing a wooden deck, building a brick fireplace, doing electrical and plumbing as needed. He also taught his daughters how to drive, change tires, check the oil and once insisted that Michelle watch him change her car muffler. The Morton household always had animals, such as dogs, cats, pet mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, a magpie with a broken wing, a couple of cows and even a worm farm.

It was very important that his children were raised with faith and devotion to God. Going to church was not an option. If we had to stay home from church because of an illness, we had church at home.

Every year the family took a vacation which normally consisted of camping either in the mountains or at the ocean. The family always looked forward to these adventures.

Don and LaVonne were very loving and opened their home to many teenage brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. At one point and time, their household consisting of a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home had 5 kids and Don and LaVonne residing. One of his favorite sayings was " What do ya know?" Don never met a stranger…he would talk to anyone and make them feel right at home where every he was, whether that be at church, his senior living apartments or at the grocery store.

Don and LaVonne lived in Benton City until they purchased the Rose of Sharon floral shop in Kennewick. At that time, they sold their house in Benton City and moved to Kennewick. Don, LaVonne along with their daughter Sharon created many floral arrangements.

They did quite a bit of traveling for personal interests, as well as for doing missionary work in various countries such as India, Russia, Latvia and Guatemala, helping to start Bible Colleges and plant churches. They also while in the Tri-Cities, helped print out bibles for the bible school.

Don loved desserts and playing games, whether they be board games, or outside games such as croquet, horseshoes, lawn darts, badminton or volleyball. If you didn't know how to play, Don was always eager to help you out and direct your every move!

Don was a wonderful example of unconditional love for his wife and children. He cared for LaVonne through her Alzheimer's/dementia illness, never leaving her side until her death.

A Memorial Service will be held April 5, 2025 at 11 am at The Garden Church 6811 W Okanogan Place, Kennewick, WA. A celebration of life reception will be held directly after with food and drinks and his favorite desserts – ice cream, Reese peanut butter cups and Almond Joys.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the to the following charities. Thank you

Because There is Hope

www.btih@becausethereishope.org/donate

Friends of Tri-Cities Animal Shelter

www.tcasfriends.org