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MORTON -- WILLIAM RANDALL COL. RET. Colonel United States Air Force Retired, age 95, died peacefully in his sleep at home of natural causes on September 13, 2011. Dad was a resident of Albuquerque for over 33 years. Born April 17, 1916 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Marcus Randall Morton and Aletha B. Hazelton, dad was raised in Spokane, Washington, where he graduated from Lewis & Clark High School. He attended the University of Idaho, where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Dad served in the United States Air Force for over 32 years, piloting B-17's in 18 combat Missions over Europe during World War II. Later in his career he was Commander of the Satellite Recovery Group, Hickam AFB, Hawaii; Deputy Center Commander at Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque; and Base Commander of Patrick and Eglin Air Force Bases in Florida. Dad's numerous decorations include the Legion of Merit, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Korean Service Medal. Dad came honestly by his military spirit through a long family tradition of military service, on his father's side, including four generations of soldiers dating to the American Revolution. His grandfather, Major Howard Morton, a decorated Civil War veteran with the 5th Pennsylvania Artillery, was the great grandson of George Morton, the financial agent of the Pilgrims in London, whose son, Nathanial, sailed to America in the "Ann" two years after the "Mayflower", and kept the records of the colony for over forty years. Dad was a dedicated patriot who loved his country and defended her honor for more than three decades. After retiring from the Air Force in 1974, he was active in Saint Chad's Episcopal Church, as well as Camp Stony and Habitat for Humanity. Dad enjoyed traveling the world, playing and watching golf, and spending time with family and friends. Dad was preceded in death by our mother, Dorothy K. Morton, and his grandchildren Michelle Yvonne Morton and Christopher Randall Morton. Dad is survived by his second wife of 11 years, Gloria Manson Morton, whose loving care and nurture were key to his long and happy life; his son William R. Morton II and wife, Nancy H. Morton; his son Robert M. Morton and wife, Yvonne C. Morton; his son John C. Morton and wife, Deborah V. Morton; his grandsons Geoffrey Robert Morton and William Caldwell Morton; his stepgranddaughters Michelle Barbera and Annie Barbera; and his stepchildren Judy Endsley, Jessica Whitfield, Peter Manson, Elizabeth Kestner, spouses and grandchildren. He was a wonderful husband, father, and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Dad's favorite saying was "I have a million memories and no regrets." He was blessed with a sound mind and shared his memories with his loved ones and friends to the day he died. A celebration of Dad's life will be held following funeral services at Saint Chad's Episcopal Church (7171 Tennyson Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122) Tuesday, September 20, 2011 from 10:00-11:00a.m., with a remembrance gathering after the service, followed by burial with full military honors at 2:15p.m. at the United States National Cemetery, Santa Fe. The family thanks their many friends and relatives whose love and thoughtfulness will always be remembered and deeply appreciated. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the National Parkinson's Foundation.
        Published on: Sun September 18, 2011