Carl Len Morton was the youngest son of Willard “Dode” Morton and Esther (Clark) Morton. He was born November 25, 1960, in Houston, Missouri. He passed away March 16, 2026, at the age of 65.
Carl grew up in the Houston area and was married to Janice Christeson on March 17, 1979. To this 27-year union, two children were born, a daughter, April Dawn Morton, and a son, Timothy Carl Morton. He was proud of his children and loved them above everything else. Carl became a grandfather in 2003 to his first grandson, Aaron Morton and again to another grandson, in 2005, Ethan Morton. He also shared a special bond with his Mother-in-law, Dorris (Christeson) Lankford, helping her work in her iris beds and selling flowers in the summers. They often enjoyed visiting and heartfelt conversations. As his first marriage came to an end, another special person, Norma Lorraine, came into his life in October of 2006. Norma’s family quickly became his family, and he again proudly carried the title Papa and was accepted by all. Carl loved being a grandfather and spending time with his family. Carl was deeply loved by all those who surrounded him.
A jack of all trades, he began a hard-working career at the age of 16 at Houston Wood Treating Sawmill where he worked for 17 years. He also had a long stretch of approximately 10 years working maintenance at Houston Housing Authority where he grew to love the many residents there, checking in on them and sending them all Christmas cards year after year. Carl attended Rolla Technical Institute and received a certification as an HVAC technician, servicing many people in the area. Near the end of his working career, he worked at IHG Hotels doing maintenance and service in Fort Leonard Wood until he suffered a stroke in March of 2014.
Carl remembered being saved as a child in his younger years and attended church on occasion. As an adult he rededicated his life in the late 90’s and believed in our Lord, Jesus Christ. He spent his time tinkering with things in the backyard and helping as a handyman to anyone who needed his assistance. He enjoyed wrestling, science fiction, nature and outdoors, and especially his pet dogs.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Willard “Dode” Morton and Esther J. Morton as well as two sisters, Shirley Jane Morton, and Mary (Morton) Bell; Sister-in-law, Brenda Morton and Brother-in-law, Wendell Gleason. He is survived by many relatives including his children, April Morton of West Plains, MO; Timothy Morton (and wife Jennifer) of Bucyrus, MO; brothers, Steve Morton (and wife Diane) of Yukon, MO, David Morton of Poplar Bluff, MO; sisters, Mildred Koehler (and husband Marvin) of Plato, MO, Wilma Gleason of Wynnewood, OK; grandsons, Aaron Morton and Ethan Morton of Bucyrus, MO, and many other nieces and nephews.
Carl was a caring and selfless individual who always wanted to do for others. He never hesitated to help out anyone who needed it. He will be greatly missed!
He will be buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Houston, MO with services held at a later time when family and friends are available to gather.
