Stephen D. Morton

Stephen D. Morton

Stephen D. Morton, 81, of Charlottesville, Virginia, died on Sunday, December 13, 2009, in the presence of his family.

Steve was born in Oak Hill, West Virginia, on September 17, 1928, the son of Stephen D. Morton, Sr. and Mae Elizabeth O'Neal Morton.

Steve's deepest happiness in life was his relationship with Nell Henley Morton, his beloved wife of over 60 years. He is also survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cherri and Bob Marvin; his grandson, Stephen; his granddaughter, Amy and her husband, Ralf Mann; and his six great-grandchildren, Gina, Nick, Sofie, Marcus, Alexandra and Nathan.

He attended Staunton Military Academy and the University of West Virginia. After serving in the Air Force, he worked at Bendix and Allied Signal for 34 years on the global radar tracking systems of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs for the National Aeronautics and Space Agency. At the end of 1960, he became the western area supervisor for NASA's manned space flight program. After he retired from the NASA program, he joined his extended family in Charlottesville and worked at the University of Virginia's Office of Sponsored Programs until full retirement. Over the years these commitments brought him numerous awards, including a presidential award for support of minority small businesses.

During his life, Steve was a pilot, expert marksman, marathon runner, history buff, amateur boxer, advocate for minorities, and had a deep love of classical music, ballet and literature. He was known to his family, friends and colleagues for his integrity, humor and good nature. He will be deeply missed.

The family will hold a private service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.