Thomas Morton

1947 - 2025

Thomas Morton
Frankfort, MI
09/29/1947 - 08/30/2025
It is with great sadness that we share Thomas Darrow Morton passed away on August 30, 2025, at the age of 77, after a life devoted to ensuring the safety and well-being of children. A tireless advocate and compassionate leader, Tom's legacy is measured not in years but in the countless young lives made better through his work in child welfare.
Born on September 29, 1947, to H. Dean and Billie (Seufert) Morton, Tom learned the principles of hard work and dedication from his parents, as well as a love for the outdoors. The joys and challenges of fishing and hunting were something he found great pleasure in throughout his whole life. His parents also instilled in him a drive for education and knowledge. This led Tom from his home in Independence, Missouri, to the University of Michigan to pursue a degree in engineering. After only a short time at U of M, Tom realized his heart was in social science, and this led him to embark on a remarkable career in child welfare.
Tom graduated from the University of Michigan with a BA in psychology and a Master of Social Work. His early career was in youth services in Washtenaw County, Michigan, which led to work with the University of Michigan's Child Welfare Learning Laboratory. Over the next several years, Tom worked in the field of social work education with the University of Tennessee, the University of Georgia, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
In 1984, Tom relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, and founded the Child Welfare Institute (CWI), a non-profit educational organization that provided technical assistance, training models and system improvements to State and International child-welfare agencies. The work of CWI was instrumental in constructing and redesigning child welfare programs that had a positive impact on countless families. This work took Tom across the country and around the world in his capacity with CWI and as a Co-Director with the National Resource Center on Child Maltreatment. Tom also served as a consultant to multiple U.S. States and the Israeli Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs on the development of foster family care in Israel. For Tom's dedication and tireless efforts, the National Staff Development and Training Association and American Public Human Services Association, bestowed him with their Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2006, Tom became the director of the Clark County (Nevada) Department of Family Services, which serves a community of two million residents. In his five years leading the agency, he implemented a full re-engineering of all major practices in the department, which drastically improved the effectiveness of all levels of family service.
In his retirement, Tom relocated to Frankfort, Michigan, to be near family and pursue his love for the outdoors. During this time, he also continued to work in child welfare as a consultant to Casey Family Programs and as a child protection practice specialist for the Federal Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities.
Tom was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend. His passion for knowledge was broad-reaching and partnered well with his love of travel. He was an accomplished cook, a wine connoisseur, and an unending source of historical data. Everything he saw, tasted, or experienced was mentally filed away to be shared at a moment's notice. He will be remembered fondly by many long-time friends, neighbors, and extended family.
Tom is survived by his daughter Arah (Andrew) Johnson; his grandchildren, Christian Johnson, Gabriel Johnson, and Seth Johnson, all of Frankfort, Mich. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean & Billie Morton, and his beloved dog, Jackie. There will not be a formal public service. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choosing that best reflects memories of Tom. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.