Larry Gene Morton

Larry Gene Morton, I passed away May 16, 2019 at his home in West Plains, Missouri after a lengthy illness. Larry was born in Jefferson City, Missouri on July 22, 1934 to Clyde and Beulah Marmet Morton.  He was raised and went to school in Linn, Missouri, graduating from Linn High School in 1952.

He volunteered for service in the Army during the Korean Conflict, where he was trained as an amphibious driver in France. He liked to brag that no Korean ever succeeded in invading France while he was there. 

On March 23, 1957, he married the love of his life, the former Jaydine Arnold, at Leslie, Missouri, after a three-month whirlwind courtship. Larry received his Bachelor’s in art from Lincoln University in Jefferson City and a Master’s in religious studies from Webster University St. Louis.  He worked as a teacher mostly in the St. Charles County School District while they lived in O’Fallon, Missouri until their retirement.

Larry loved beauty and order, the color blue, politics, life’s mysteries, the St. Louis Browns, boxing, ice-cold beer, summer vacations, the American Civil War and Christmas. He enjoyed a beautiful sunny day and stargazing at night.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jaydine of the home; daughter, LaMyra Morton of Fair Grove, Missouri; son, Larry Gene Morton, II of Jonesboro, Arkansas; sister, Shirley White of Dallas, Texas and a host of nieces and nephews.

His parents; sister, Jerry McCarty; brothers, Vernon, Dick, Bernie, and Cork; nephews, Davy Morton and Mike McCarty; and great-nephew Joey McCarty preceded him in death.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staffs of West Vue Nursing Home, Riverways Home Health and Hospice Compassus for their assistance during this difficult time.  Also, thanks to Jaydine’s sister, VaRue Guthrie and niece, Rita Hitt for their visits, help and support.  Thanks also to their neighbor, Naomi Curtis, who has been there during many emergencies and always ready to run errands.

 Graveside services will be held on Monday, May 20, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Campbell Cemetery in Guion, Arkansas under the direction of Qualls Funeral Home of Cave City, Arkansas.

Memorial donations can be made to the Missionaries of Charity or the animal welfare organization of the donor’s choice.