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Lee Morton Obituary
AGE: 81 • Shrewsbury
Lee Eugene Morton, Sr. of Shrewsbury NJ passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at the age of 81 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Born in PA of parents Marie and Paul Morton. He is preceded in death by his son Lee E Morton Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Morton; his daughters, Kathleen M. Morton of Memphis, TN and Dana M. Emery of San Francisco, CA; his 5 grandchildren, Michael and Marie Morton of Indianapolis, IN and Rob, Matt and Will Emery of San Francisco, CA; and his brothers, Dr. Phillip Morton of Indianapolis, IN and Paul Morton of Ponte Vedra, lL.
Lee is a graduate of Cornell University with a B.A in Hotel Administration. While at Cornell he was a stalwart basketball and baseball player. In basketball he was co-captain of the 1954 team that won the Eastern Intercollegiate Basketball League and the Ivy League basketball championship. It's first in 30 years. He set the school record for points in a season and was named the EIBL MVP in 1954. In recognition of his extraordinary athleticism and leadership, he was inducted into Cornell's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979. He was a 3rd round NBA draft choice in 1954. Lee was President of Cornell's Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. After finishing school he joined the United States Air Force and became a fighter pilot. After 3 years of active duty he joined the Air National Guard. He had a 33 year career with active duty and Air National Guard combined and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Simultaneously, he was a pilot for American Airlines for 32 years, retiring in 1992 after flying many types of aircraft all over the world. After retiring, he was a passionate nationally ranked tennis player as well as an avid golfer. His final years were spent watching his grandchildren grow up and excel in sports and academics.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Lee's memory may be made to the "Lee Morton '54 Ivy AMI Fund" at Cornell University. A celebration of life will be held at Rumson Country Club on May 18 at 11:00 a.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lee Morton
Wesley & Judy Westmoreland
May 25, 2013
Mary, the "59ers" had such a great time at our "get togethers". Lee will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Dick Wolter
May 22, 2013
Mary,
We have not met, but Lee and I shared the same table of four student pilots in USAF primary pilot training at Bartow AB, Bartow, FL, in 1956. Our civilian instructor was Harvey Smith.
In 1966 I came on board with AAL and subsequently flew some trips as F/O with Lee. We shared many memorable moments about Harvey and those days. On a trip to DFW, I watched Lee and another excellent tennis player battle each other.
He was a great guy to know, and I extend my deepest sympathies and regards.
Dick Wolter
Jack & June Sabey
May 19, 2013
Mary, So many good memories of Lee,a really fun guy and Good Memories of the 59ners get-togethers we used to have.
Harvey Wenz
May 17, 2013
Mary, I have such fond memories of Lee. We started off together in 1st officers training, living in $1.25 a night hotel in Grand Prarie,Texas sharing a $50 used car among a dozen guys taking classes in a converted Greyhound bus office at Greater Southwest airport. When the training was done we went our separate ways but our friendship remained. Lee did one of the great favors in my life by helping my daughter get her start as a pilot. A real privilege to know him.
Paula Wenz- Brandmeier
May 17, 2013
I was saddened to hear of Lee's passing.
I will always be grateful to Lee because a day with him, some 30 years ago, changed my destiny. After spending the day with Lee touring McGuire AirForce base, I decided to join the AirForce and become a pilot. I have been in aviation ever since. Lee, I hope you are now dancing the sky on laughter- silvered wings. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Tom Dwyer
May 14, 2013
We'll all meet you someday in that little Pub in the sky reserved for fighter pilots. Have a Guinness ready for me.
Teddy Moskowitz
May 13, 2013
I had the pleasure of meeting Lee a few years ago. We played some tennis and he clearly was talented. He spoke openly and courageously of his cancer. He was a gentle man and a good friend.
Sympathy to his family and friends who will no doubt miss him very much.
Michael Jeary
May 13, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Mary and all of Lee's family. I was so fortunate to be counted among his friends. Despite the significant personal challenges he endured during recent years, he always was the first to inquire about the health and well-being of others. He was unique and will be sorely missed on the tennis court, the golf course and across the table. Here's to you Lee!!
Gayle Holtman
May 12, 2013
Sympathy and prayers from the Indy Morton clan - Phil and Sally, Lynne and family, Keith and family, and Gayle and David. Thinking of all of the good times we shared. With love from us all.
John Goode
May 12, 2013
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Morton for over twenty years. He was such a thoughtful man, always with a smile, a wry comment, and a kind word. The country has lost a heroic and dedicated veteran, and our community has lost a true gentleman. Godspeed, sir. My sincere condolences to all of Mr. Morton's family.
Lee @ Seabright
Jack McWilliams
May 10, 2013
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