LeRoy Ellsworth Morton

Lee, as he was known by all, was an avid snow skier, tennis and bridge player. His true passions were traveling, being involved and getting others involved. Lee was very personable and never met a stranger. He passed away November 22, 2009 in Palm Springs, Calif. of failing health. Lee was born July 25, 1929 in Salina, Kan. to Mildred F. and Noah H. Morton. As a youngster, Lee worked on the family farm with his younger brothers. He graduated from Beverly Rural H.S. in 1947 and served in the U.S. Army from 1953-55. After the Army, Lee attended Kansas State U. and obtained a B.A. in elementary education. He studied in Copenhagen and attended San Jose State U. earning a M.A. in education. He loved working with kids as a teacher and principal in Garden Grove, Calif. for 16 years. Lee married Doris C. Rader in 1972 and thus began their excellent adventure! Most of us can only dream of the places they went and experienced. Working overseas as educators in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Mali and Turkey they traveled the world. It was not unusual to get a letter postmarked from Katmandu or some other exotic place. Where ever in the world they might land they always managed to find a bridge game or a tennis court. For those fortunate enough to visit them while they were living abroad, Lee was the designated tour guide making sure you learned about the people and the culture of the area. After retirement Lee and Doris served in the Peace Corps for two years in The Gambia, Africa setting up a resource center for local teachers. Lee then served as a Peace Corps recruiter stationed in Chicago. Still in retirement, Lee and Doris were in their Waikiki condo in 1994 applying to work in the Marshall Islands but instead headed back to their Palm Springs condo to help raise their grandson. They continued to play bridge, tennis and entertain friends. They lived life together to the fullest. After Doris' death in 2000, Lee continued to travel the world having visited some 150 countries in his life. He also continued to play tennis and bridge, took up golf and enjoyed visiting friends. Lee was an active volunteer with the YMCA and golf and tennis events in the Palm Springs area. Lee was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge of Salina, Kan. and was involved with the Cal. Teachers' Assn. and The Kiwanis of P.S. Lee is survived by his daughter, Nancy Rader of Palm Springs; one grandson, Taylor Adams; his brothers and sister in laws, Lyle and Lael Morton of Cody, Wyo. and Rex and Barbara Morton of Canton, Kan; one brother in law and his wife, Tom and Mary Carlson of Utah and Palm Springs; and many nieces and nephews. A Life Celebration was held where Lee lived in Palm Springs. Thank you to Lee's friends from all areas of his life who attended on short notice before Thanksgiving. Lee will be laid to rest at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, Calif. but is already planning his next adventure with Doris.