Obituary

Lloyd D Morton Jr., 87, of Plainview, Texas, died at home in Plainview after battling a lengthy illness on Sunday, March 15, 2015. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at First Baptist Church Sanctuary with Dr. Tim Marrow officiating and a grandson the Rev. Matthew Morton assisting. A visitation will be held on Wednesday March 18, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. at Kornerstone Funeral Directors. Lloyd was born at home in Graham, Texas, on Sept. 22, 1927, to Lloyd D and Velma Morton. He graduated from Texas A&M University. He married Betty Louise Heath on Sept. 12, 1954, in Graham, Texas. He also served in the U.S. Navy. Lloyd established Morton Irrigation, Inc. after a lengthy time of being top salesman for Gifford Hill. His son, Lloyd D, joined him at Morton Irrigation after graduating from A&M University. Lloyd taught Sunday school in the Youth Department of First Baptist Church for more than 30 years, Rotarian, played golf (putting profusely), loved his work and worked six days a week until he was 85. Deacon of First Baptist Church for many years, and loved his own Sunday school class. He was known as a trusted friend and businessman, but mainly as a loving and tender husband, father and friend that could light up your day simply by giving you a hug and a big laugh. He is survived by his wife, Betty of Plainview; his children, Lloyd D III and wife Brenda of Deleon, Texas, Martha Robison and husband Scott of Towson, Maryland, Laurie Knox and husband Ricky of Taos, New Mexico; his grandchildren, Rachael Waters and husband Jarod of Fountain, Colorado, Matt Morton and wife Cheri of Clyde, Texas; Tammy Vineyards and husband Richie of North Richland Hills, Texas; John Turpin and wife Katie of Gardner, Kansas; Tommy Turpin and wife Megan of Gardner, Kansas; Lyndsay Cross of Dallas, Texas; Jason Turpin of Fort Worth, Texas; Morgan Castillo and husband, Daniel of Wolfforth, Texas; three great grandchildren and one brother Jim Morton of Slaton; one sister-in-law Shirley Morton of Floydada and her two girls Julie Ellison and Melinda Turner whom gave an over-abundance of love and support, along with multiple other loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by siblings, Inez McMullen, Vivian Jones, Evelyn Swenson, Harold Morton and Raymond Morton. The Morton family would like to give a special thanks to the Area Community Hospice Caregivers that lovingly cared for Lloyd and Betty; Nancy Ruiz, Kara Roach, and Jill Moudy. The family suggests memorials to go to the Youth Department of First Baptist Church, Meals on Wheels or the Special Olympics. Anyone who knew him knew his loving heart, his compassion for others and his ability to always put a smile on your face. He made strangers feel like friends with his big grin and his endearing hugs. He had a love for the community and was respected by so many people. And boy did he love his Betty Lou . . . more than anything else on earth!