Ronald Morton

Ronald R. Morton, 71, of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born Feb. 24, 1940, in Poplar Bluff, Mo., son of the late Clarence P. and Dorothy Ellen Webb Morton. He and Dianna Watkins were married April 17, 1960.

Ronald was a 1959 graduate of Jackson High School. He worked as a pipefitter with Local Union 157 in Terre Haute, Ind., 35 years, retiring in 2000 due to health conditions.

Although he enjoyed raising blackberries and was a faithful listener of the Shepherd's Chapel out of Gravette, Ark., spending time with his grandchildren was his favorite pastime.

Loving survivors include his wife of 51 years; a son, Raymond "Scott" (Cheryl) Morton of Bourbon, Mo.; two daughters, Cynthia Kay Graham of Shawneetown, and Dawn Renee (Michael) Jones of La Vergne, Tenn.; a brother, Nelson Morton of Kampsville, Ill.; a sister, LaFern (Dale) Lane of Jefferson City, Mo.; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.

A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Cape County Memorial Park, with the Rev. Charles Lance officiating.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674, or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.