Craig H Morton

MORTON, Craig H, 61, joined his heavenly Father on Feb. 23, 2013. Craig was born a New Year's baby in Paterson, NJ on January 1, 1952. Son of Charlotte Rodney Morton and the late Harvey H Morton, Craig grew up in Hawthorne, NJ. In high school, he excelled in several sports, including basketball and football. He attended Lutheran College where he played basketball. After a formative stint in Montana, Craig made his home in Pinellas County, Florida over 30 years ago. He discovered his element in the warm Florida climate and even warmer beach community where he made many friends. Craig managed 7-Eleven stores for many years, as well as a produce stand at the end of his career. He was fond of the work that allowed him constant opportunities to serve and connect with a wide range of people. He loved the personal interactions, and he was known for the humor and gentle kindness he brought to them. Craig also became an ardent Tampa Bay Rays fan; his annual highlight was baseball season. Craig now joins his late wife, Kimberly Jean Hill, who he loved deeply. He is survived by his son, Matthew Morton (fiancée, Trang), and his daughters, Jamie Morton Rose (Adam), Lori Morton, and Stephanie Dawn. Other survivors include his mother, Charlotte, and his sisters, Claudia Murphy, Cyndi Levin (Ron), Carolyn Malone (Fred), and Connie Pearson (Eric). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Suncoast Hospice, which served Craig with care and dignity during his illness for nearly four years (www.thehospice.org). A graveside funeral service will be held at 10:00am Friday, March 1st, 2013 at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park, 13401 Indian Rocks Rd., Largo, FL 33774.