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Sgt. 1st Class John D. Morton
Sgt. 1st Class John D. Morton
Obituary
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John D. Morton Obituary
Many people come in and out of one's life. It is those who touch you down inside with their sincerity, care, and friendship that leave an unforgettable impression forever. SFC John "Gunny" Morton is one of these men and will never be forgotten by anyone he has served with or known. He was a scholar, warrior, loving father and husband, and a hero. He left his mark and made his world a better place for those around him.
Born 23 May 1974 in Kentucky, SFC Morton joined the Army in 1992 after graduating high school. This first step would lead him through the ranks of the Army for the next thirteen years, reaching the rank of Sergeant First Class in December of 2004. His service around the world in a variety of light, heavy, joint, and overseas assignments brought him to the Vicenza community in 2002 as part of the 74th Infantry Detachment (Long Range Surveillance).
As a Communications Specialist for the 74th Infantry Detachment (Long Range Surveillance), SFC Morton served as a Base Radio Station Team Leader and as the Detachment's Communications Chief, responsible for all communications related training, equipment, and personnel. He led his men and coordinated all communications operations through the Brigade's deployment to Iraq, Afghanistan, and numerous rotations to the Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels Training Centers.
SFC Morton greatest contribution was as a father figure to many in the Detachment. He was always the mature voice of reason, the unwavering optimist, and the moral compass that led the unit. Whether engrossed in his military history books, training his soldiers late into the night until they could achieve his high standards, or mentoring some of the young fathers and husbands in the Detachment with his experience, SFC Morton was always making himself and the others around him the best they could be. His leadership style reflected these qualities and his soldiers always pushed to be the best, never wanting to let him down.
While in Afghanistan, SFC Morton went above and beyond his duties as the LRS Detachment's Communications Chief. As one of the senior leaders in the Detachment, SFC Morton frequently took on the responsibilities of the First Sergeant and Operations Sergeant, as well as led independent elements on combat patrols deep into enemy territory. On 15 December 2005, while conducting combat operations in the Mianishein District of Southern Afghanistan, SFC Morton was shot and killed instantly by an enemy sniper.
SFC Morton is survived by his wife Sarah and three children, Joshua, Scarlette, and Olivia. He touched the lives of those around him and will be missed by all he knew.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Francisco Ramirez
May 28, 2019
How I wish you were still here. I have good memories of our talks and good times with our group of professionals back at ANCOC. I am sure you are watching over your family.
Ram
ERIC NICO
May 24, 2019
John,
You are not forgotten. We miss you and use your strength to continue the fight. This weekend is to you my friend.
SSG ERIC D. NICO
HHC 173RD ABN BDE
2004-2006
Charles Gili
June 30, 2018
Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of John D. Morton US Army Sergeant. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Kevin Wetzel
May 30, 2016
Thinking of you today as I often do. Reminders of you are everywhere. Missing you and my other brothers this day. We will all be together again soon. Love you Brother!
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Shane Southwood
July 24, 2013
John, I have been remembering when when we were in high school and am so sad that you are not with us anymore. You are a wonderful person and you will always be missed.
Anthony Vitello (MAJ) Ret.
May 27, 2013
Thinking of John and his family on this day. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him. By far one of the best NCOs I had the honor to lead at Ft Detrick as his company commander!! RIP my friend !!
May 26, 2013
Remembering John and his family this Memorial Holiday.
Arlene West Jones - Proud cousin
May 25, 2013
Even after 7 years you are greatly missed. My heart still aches. Love you still ..... mom Proper.
Peggy Childers
December 15, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class John D. Morton:
Please accept my remembrance of John on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Francisco Ramirez
June 19, 2011
Sarah,
It took me all this time to write on John's wall. I went to ANCOC with John and we became pretty close. He was a great man and loved his family very much. He was the only other man that drove my SUV. A little bit of me died when your husband passed away I miss him, still.
Francisco Javier Ramirez
Peggy Childers
December 15, 2010
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class John D. Morton:
Remembering John on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Guadalupe Acosta
May 23, 2010
I am proud to have served with SFC Morton in Afghanistan, he was a true leader. The soldiers under him taught me and others everything there is to know about communications. He was passionate about his job, something that is not seen a lot nowadays. I miss him, though I may not have known him that well. He will always be in my mind and heart.
Respectfully,
SPC Acosta
74th LRS INF DET
TEAM 5
Vicenza, Italy
Donna Gillette
December 26, 2009
On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.
Kenna Larra
May 13, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
In Memory of John ~ (Debra Estep)
December 15, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know John, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Peggy Childers
December 14, 2008
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class John D. Morton:
John gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Tony Griffin
July 10, 2008
I haven't met SFC Morton personally, but to be part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade any tragedy of any Paratrooper is heart breaking to our community. My prayers goes out to SFC Morton's family and to the troopers that he led; may God bless you all, R.I.P SFC Morton.
JOANNE CROWE
May 19, 2008
HOLLY,
THE MORTON FAMILY HAVE NEVER RECEIVED THE PHOTOS THAT YOU WERE GOING TO SEND THEM, I HAVE DELETED THE COPIES YOU SENT TO ME, IF YOU STILL HAVE THEM COULD YOU PLEASE SEND THEM TO JOHN MORTON'S FAMILY. THE ADDRESS IS :
JERRY AND PEARL MORTON
788 UPPER CANE CREEK
STANTON, KY. 40380
May 18, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt 1st Class Morton!
jose mondragon
August 22, 2007
those who knew sfc morton know that he was one of the finest soldiers and leaders in the army. he was a great leader and mentor alot of us in and out work, he was always giving us andvises and he was the kind of person that u can come and talk to when ever we had a problem he was alway trying to help u. we will alway remember u sfc morton.
SGT Mondragon, Jose(74th LRSD)
August 14, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 24, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt 1st Class Morton and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
william pointer
June 27, 2007
SFC John D Morton I miss you brother we had many great talks while in haiti and you were always up for any mission. Though I was a scout we shared commo as my secondary. I thought of you often because through life you only meet a few who are so genuine. You are in my heart forever and with the shirt portraying you and I in Haiti I will tell all who ask about it just how great of a man you were. Love you brother...CPL Pointer 3/17th cav
Website Address
March 13, 2007
Alot of you that knew John are putting information out here and for that we are greatful. His memorial website is at www.sfcjohnmorton.com. Thanks!
Shawn Moore
January 18, 2007
I was stationed with SFC Morton when we were both young NCOs back at Site R and I had the great pleasure of running into him in the PX when he first arrived in Vicenza. He was a great source of encouragement to everyone who knew him and a solid leader. Many times he served as a sounding board for me and he encouraged me to stay the course throughout a difficult period in my military career. I fondly remember trying to keep up with him as we ran to the top of the mountain. The world is diminished by his passing and my deepest sympathies go out to his family.
Respectfully,
SFC Shawn O. Moore
Garnet Jenkins
December 15, 2006
I am Deeply saddened to learn of the loss of of this young Hero, Sgt. 1st Class John D. Morton, one year ago today.
The price this Brave Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May John rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Peace of the Lord continue to be with the Morton family.
There will never be enough ways to humbly thank these heroes for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA~Vietnam, 1967.
So much Thanks to be given SFC. Morton, for his Courage, Dedication and Many Years of Service, to our Country and for Freedom.
Treasure this Young Hero Lord, In Your garden of rest,
For while here on this earth, he was one of our Best.
May the Peace of God and the memories of John,
remain in your heart always and give you comfort
and strength through the difficult days.
I am deeply sorry for your loss and you are in my prayers.
Adam Daniel
August 18, 2006
No one who knew John will ever forget what kind of man he was and what he stood for. Anchors Aweigh, John.
SPC "Dr. T. Ferguson" Daniel
ROBYN GARSIDE
May 11, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. KNOW THAT YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR THE LITTLE ONES. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A MARINE MOM
Lorraine Strochansky
April 1, 2006
My deepest sympathy to SFC John D. Morton's Dad, Mom, Sisters and his lovely wife Sarah and their three children. I went to visit his parents and I will always remember what a loving son he was to his parents. He was a hero for his country and God. I am sure he had a wonderful influence on his men. He is with his Heavenly Father now. May God Bless and comfort all his family.
The Faggiano family
March 9, 2006
Our prayers, thoughts, condolences and love go out to the family of Sgt. Morton. Our son Vic served with Sgt. Morton as team 3's communications person, 74th LRSD in Operatin Enduring Freedom. Upon his passing Vic spoke of Sgt. Morton's leadership and professionalism, how much he had learned from Sgt. Morton and how honored he was to have served with him. He will never be forgotten and always in our prayers.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
February 22, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Morton family in the loss of John. I did not know John, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Tracy
February 21, 2006
Thank you for your service, Sgt. 1st Class John Morton. You have not gone unoticed and unappreciated! I thank you from the bottom of my heart for my freedom and my daughters freedom! Hooah!
An Army wife in Texas.
Jason Thornton
February 21, 2006
With tears on our cheeks and a great sadness deep within our hearts, please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. Freedom is not free. SFC John D. Morton was a true American hero who paid the ultimate price. He will always be remembered.
Kathy Oliphant
February 6, 2006
To the family of SFC Mortton,
I am so sorry for your loss. I was stationed with SFC Morton back in 1998-2000 at Site R. He was a SGT and I was a SPC. He was a good guy and a very nice person. I was surprised to hear of his passing but, I was relieved to hear that he had accepted the Lord Jesus into his heart. Rest in Peace brave warrior and protect the streets of heaven until we get there...You will be missed.
CPT Kathy Oliphant
SPC Theodore Pilny II
January 26, 2006
SFC Morton I miss you. Things have not been the same around here without you to talk to. I miss our conversations and you quizing me about all the planes that take off from the airfield here. I know you are in a better place right now probably talking to all of the old generals you used to read and talk about so much.
To SFC Morton's family all of the people I did not meet I am so sorry for your loss, we all lost a good friend and family member on the 15th and there is nothing that could ever come close to filling SFC Morton's shoes, but I take comfort in knowing he died defending what he and all of us over here belive in. He will never be forgoten by me or any of the 74th LRS family.
Sincerly
SPC Theodore F. Pilny II
Gene & Linda Proper
January 21, 2006
John was our beloved son-in-law who was a part of our family for over 10 years. We thanked the Lord for him continually.
He was a son to us, the husband of our daughter and the father of our grandchildren.
Our hearts are so broken, but we take comfort in the fact that John had accepted and received Jesus into his heart and because of that he is now in eternity with the heavenly Father.
His absence goes deep to our family, but he will never be completely lost to us, for he lives in our hearts and memories. We truly were blessed that he was a part of our family, we are thankful that he was a loving husband and father, we are proud that he was an awesome soldier and we are comforted that he believed in Christ.
"To live is Christ, to die is gain" Phil.1:21
CPT Tara Polleys
January 11, 2006
I had never been to a military funeral; never been to Arlington; never saluted during a 21 gun salute before – now I have, with tears streaming down my face. SFC John Morton is a true American hero. His daughter pointed to the cemetery the day before the funeral and stated that was where her daddy was going to be buried. I explained that it was a special cemetery and she told me she knew because only heroes were buried there.
Sally Russman
January 10, 2006
evry time we lose another brave soul it hit so close to home, i have a daughter who is 173rd and is in in afghan now.. god bless Morton and his family, may u find peace in gods arms. sign a mom of the 173rd airborn unit
Don Woodrick
January 9, 2006
You have my deepest sympathy. Your family and this nation have suffered a great loss. We suffer with you.
Alex Rivera
January 9, 2006
I replaced him back in 2002 before he left to 173rd. He was a great soldier and person. As the Commo Chief for the 82d LRSD my heart goes out to his family. Rest in piece Ranger Buddy!
Joanne Crowe
January 9, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jerry and Pearl and your extended family, John was apparently a well loved man by all, I know that nothing anyone say can will make your feelings of pain less, but remember that he is in God's hands and is watching over you now. May God Bless and Keep you.
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
January 7, 2006
Rest in peace at your last post in paradise.
MIKE FLAMENT
January 7, 2006
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY
Pam Adams
January 3, 2006
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class John D. Morton:
I know first hand there is nothing I can say right now to you to make your pain less. We too lost our Hero on 12/1/05 (SFC Brent Adams). I am still in a state of denial. Just know that you are not alone, my heart, thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. These courageous young men will not be forgotten. May God grant you peace to move forward.
Pam Adams
Bev Clark
January 3, 2006
To Sgt.1st Class John Morton's Family,
My family and I would like to express our condolences to all of you. I did not get the pleasure to meet John but I know his sister. America has lost another hero. God Bless you and I hope you take comfort in knowing John now is resting in the arms of our Lord.
Suzanne Haggard-Thoreen
January 2, 2006
To the Morton family,
We think of you often and wish to send our love and condolences to Sarah, her children and John's extended family.We did not know John but from our son, Casey Thoreen's reports, he was well loved and highly respected amongst the men in his unit. His death was a devastating loss to all who knew him. Believe that there are many families out here who have kept you and your children in their thoughts.We are one of those families. The Thoreen family
Philip Morton
January 1, 2006
As a member of the Morton Family, I am so saddened at the loss of my cousin John, yet so proud of his dedication and commitment to the country that he loved. He made the ultimate sacrifice so that his kids and those he loved could enjoy the freedom that is never free. We must always remember those who fall in the line of duty, lest we devalue the freedom that costs so much. We wil pray for your wife and children and will not forget.
Gerald Blomer
December 30, 2005
To The Family of Sgt. 1st Class John D. Morton:
Those who have given of themselves to our country will live forever in the lives they have touched. Although I have never met Sgt. 1st Class John D. Morton, Kentucky is our home and we feel that we have lost family. Please accept our condolences on your loss,our thoughts are with you and your family.
Senior Chief and Mrs. Gerald R. Bloomer, U. S. Navy, (Retired)
shawnee
December 28, 2005
Thank you for your service for this great country and for your sacrfice. You will not be forgotten. You are an American Hero. Rest in peace.
Michael Francis
December 27, 2005
My words will not ease your loss, but know that I and many other Americans are greatful for John's service to his country and for each of us we thank you.
Luis and Nina Tirado
December 27, 2005
We are very sorry for your loss! In this difficult time we offer you our blessings. He was a great soldier...His memory will live on forever. God Bless!
Michael and Tammy Knox
December 25, 2005
From Bowen Elementary school to military service together in Vicenza Italy, he was a great friend. It was great to be together with him and his family in Italy and renew old friendships. He always had a wonderful personality and will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to his wife,Sarah and his sweet children.
Ralph Marchesano
December 22, 2005
Words an not express the appreciation we feel for your sacrifice. D.A.V. Chapter 233
Jamie Graves
December 21, 2005
Thank you for the sacrifices you have made..God Bless his family( Jamie,Navy wife)
Lynn Long
December 21, 2005
To the Morton Family and Friends,
I cannot come up with the words to express my sorrow at your loss. May God bless you and comfort you at this very trying moment in time.
Thank you from a grateful American.
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