Richard Lee Morton

Richard Lee Morton
June 13, 1952 ~ December 9, 2025
Richard Lee Morton age 73, passed away peacefully at his home in Pace, Florida, surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
Born in Bennington, Vermont, Richard spent most of his youth in Williamstown, Massachusetts and later South Hadley, Massachusetts. He later made Florida his home, where he fully embraced life as a true Floridian.
Richard proudly served in the United States Navy for 28 years, having enlisted in 1970 during the Vietnam War, and retiring as a Master Chief. An Aviation Boatswain's Mates (Fuel) ABF, assigned to the V-4 division as the GRAPES. His career reflected dedication to Naval Aviation and to the sailors he led. His service included assignments aboard the USS CORAL SEA (CVA 43), USS MIDWAY (CV 41) (2 deployments), and USS SARATOGA (CV 60), as well as duty stations at Commander Fleet Activities in Okinawa, Japan; Air Test and Evaluation Squadron ONE, Patuxent River, Maryland; Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan; Naval Air Facility, Midway Island; Naval Air Station, Whiting Field, Milton, Florida; and Naval Aviation Schools Command, Pensacola, Florida.
Throughout his 28 year career, Richard received numerous awards and decorations in recognition of his leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to duty, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars. His service was marked by integrity, leadership, and a deep belief in service above self. He loved being in the Navy and often said he would do it all over again if given the chance.
In his younger years, Richard was adventurous and fearless, with a love for skydiving, scuba diving, and many excursions that his wife did not approve of. When not in uniform, Richard found joy outdoors, especially near the water. Boating, fishing, and time spent on the water brought him peace. After years of deployment and time away, he cherished being home in Florida with his beloved wife, children, and their puppy, Toto. Home was his harbor.
His second favorite job was being a grandfather. Watching his grandchildren grow was one of the greatest joys of his life. He was the best grandad, spoiling his grandchildren every Christmas, birthday, and holiday in between. He rarely missed a weekend on the soccer sidelines, proudly cheering them on and making sure they always knew how deeply loved they were.
Richard was stoic, funny, strong and compassionate. He was not always one for many words, but what he did not say he showed through presence, loyalty, and quiet generosity. He will be missed beyond measure by his family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing him.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Asako Morton, his two children: James Morton and his wife Katrina and Teresa Burgess and her husband Adam;
his four grandchildren who adored their Jiji: Sophia, Kai, Luke and Moses; his sisters: Patricia (Patty) and Mary; and his niece Jeannie. He was preceded in death by his parents John Morton and Grace Morton and his brothers, James (Jimmy), John (Johnny), and his niece Sherry.
He was also awarded, posthumously and forever in the hearts of his family, the titles of Greatest Father of All Time, Most Loved Husband, Most Likely to Never Be Forgotten, and the Grandfather Who Will Truly Be Missed.
He will be laid to rest at Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida on January 6th, 2026 at 10:30am. Funeral reception will follow.