Obituary of Donald Morton

Donald Ralph Morton, a 46 year resident of Pine Bush, passed away on Thursday, April 23, in the devoted company of his wife, Marjorie Troost Morton at the Achieve Rehab Center in Liberty, NY, following an extended period of declining health. He was born on June 11, 1927 to the late John R. and Sarah E. Dutcher Morton. He married Marjorie Arzela Troost on January 26, 1951. Donald is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Marjorie Troost Morton; two sons: John C. Morton and his wife, Tina of Woodbourne, NY and David T. Morton and his wife, Annie of Valley Cottage, NY; a daughter, Marjorie A. Krull and her husband, Charles of Knoxville, TN and Lubec, ME; four grandsons: Donald E. Morton, John R. Morton, USMA Cadet Bradley D. Morton, and Tyler T. Morton; three granddaughters: Toni-Ann Morton, Dana Clark and Jessica Hodgson; one aunt, Laura S. H. Dutcher; sister-in-law, Eliza D. Troost; two nephews: Dale E. Morton and Charles J. Toost; and four nieces: Veronica A. Evans, Donna M. Kortright, Tonya A. Moore and Gayle M. Montanya; as well as, numerous cousins and great and great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Donald was predeceased by his son, Donald Rufus Morton; brother, John H. Morton; sister-in-law, Lucille G. Morton; brother-in-law, John C. Troost; nephew, Eugene F. C. Morton; and niece, Debra A. Pace. Donald was born at his grandmother's home in Old Morrston, NY and raised in Woodbourne, NY. Inspired by his brother's and father's service to America, he joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. During World War II he served on several ships, including the LST 45, a member of the Task Unit 7.3.2, Main Naval Task Unit supporting Operation Sandstone. He also was a plank holder on the U.S.S Long Beach, America's first nuclear powered surface ship. Donald served his beloved country through three wars, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. After 24 years of active duty service he transferred to the Fleet Reserve. With his wife and children, he settled in Pine Bush, NY and worked in food service management at an area institution until his retirement. He had a life-long love for traveling throughout America and exploring its back roads and small towns, always accompanied by his wife and often by other family members. Known for his loving and open heart, as well as his generosity, Donald was beloved by his devoted family and many friends. Visitation for Donald's family and friends will take place from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, April 26th and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, April 27th at Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 State Route 52, Woodbourne, NY 12788. His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 27th at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Grahamsville Rural Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, Donald requested that donations be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, P.O. Box 96172, Washington, DC 20090-6172. Arrangements were under the direction of Colonial-Bryant Funeral Home; for further information, please call 845-434-7363 or visit www.colonialbryantfuneralhome.com