Morton, Kenneth Garland, Sr., 86 years old, of Burkeville and most recently The Masonic Home of Virginia: went home to be with Jesus January 4, 2019. He was predeceased by his parents John Booker and Lucie Collins Morton and by his beloved first wife Lorene B. Morton, his high school sweetheart. His heavenly reunion will also include his youngest daughter Sandra Morton Eagle, his stepson Dwight Dean Roberts, and three of his five sisters. As a long-distance truck driver he drove for E R Carpenter for 36 years, where he traveled millions of accident-free-miles. He probably holds the record for driving the most miles, and for having been the safest driver in the history of the company. He is survived by his wife, Jerrell Simmons Morton, two children, Debra Burnette (Bill) Mechanicsville and Kenneth Morton Jr. (Karen) Powhatan; three stepchildren for whom he has been a loving father figure for many years, Mitzi, Ricky, and Brad; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. In his retirement, he became known as a painter and general contractor who worked for pennies who could not meet the demands of those desiring the perfect touch of his workmanship. Kenneth worked tirelessly to meet the needs of his community in the service of giving back. Helping those in need was his pride and joy. He served as a Master Mason of Burke Lodge in Burkeville. He found his home in this organization as their mission was to help all mankind, a message he held close to his heart. In addition he was a Deacon and a Trustee at Burkeville Baptist Church. This self-made yet humble man who started as a tobacco farmer went on to be a professional in so many areas. He wanted most to make a difference where he lived, worked, and most of all for his family. He talked the walk and walked the talk.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Burkeville Baptist Church, 222 Agnew St.; P.O. Box 325; Burkeville, VA 23922, on Wednesday January 9, 2019 at 1:00 PM. A reception in the Fellowship Hall of the church will follow the service and is for all friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association, Burkeville Baptist Church, or The Masonic Home of Virginia. The family wishes to thank all family, friends, and especially all of his many caretakers at The Masonic Home of Virginia for the joy, friendship, love, and comfort they have provided in past months. Obituary and other information can be viewed at the Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville, VA.
“In his eyes there is no such thing as a stranger, no such thing as hate, but instead everyone is family, everyone is loved, and everyone is a blessing and will always be taken care of no matter what the circumstances are.”
-William Christopher Morton about his beloved grandfather
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Patricia Casey
Rest in Peace Dear Uncle Garland, Patty
Vicki Cardwell
Rest in peace Uncle Garland. Will miss your great stories and your wonderful laugh. Love you always!!
Thelma Casey
Rest in Peace my Dear Loving Brother, Your loving sister Thelma and Brother-in-law Jim.
Hazel Burley
Comforting thoughts and prayers. Bobby and Hazel Burley
Rita De Rosa
Uncle Garland, you will be greatly missed by all. I will always remember your laugh and sense of humor. Love always Rita & Adrian
Rose Young
With Deepest Sympathy. My thoughts and prayers for the family at this difficult time.
Rose Young
My Deepest Sympathy for the Family at this difficult time.
Terri Atkins Wilson
Sending thoughts and prayers to Jerri and to his entire family! The obituary was a beautiful tribute to this nice man.
Thelma Casey
As our Special Brother, you will always be with us in our hearts and memories. You will have a happy reunion with all our loved ones. Love You, Thelma and Jim and Family
Hugh & Margie Morton
Our thoughts and prayers to out to Jerrell and all the family. The Obit is a wonderful tribute to a guy who obviously made a positive contribution to so many. Love: Cousin Hugh & Margie Morton
Don & Annie Mae Reyna
Ken Morton left his mark on so many people and he surely was a great neighbor on Cranford Avenue in Richmond, Va. We became friends w/ Jerri Morton & together they were so much fun to be with & joking & smiling & made our social life so memorable. A truly devoted couple, walking hand to hand when ever they went out. May the family find comfort and solace from all your dear friends and family!
Louise Coates Owen
It’s hard to understand why people are taken from us, but find comfort in knowing you were a special part of such a well-lived life. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. In Christian Love, Louise