Manford E. Morton 1917 - 2007

MORTON, HILEMAN, TAYLOR

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/6/2014 at 20:19:54

Onawa Democrat
11 July 2007

Manford E. Morton of Fresno, CA passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday, June 7, 2007 at the age of 90. Manford was born in Lincoln Township, Whiting, IA, March 16, 1917 to Edward and Jessie (Hileman) Morton. The Morton family moved to Onawa in 1932, and Manford graduated from Onawa High School in 1935. He attended Doane College in Crete, NE and graduated from mortuary college in St. Louis, MO.

Ann Taylor of Van Meter, IA and Manford were married in Richmond, VA where he was stationed in the United States Navy. During World War II, Manford served his country in the South Pacific.

Ann and Manford celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, June 6, 2007.

They settled in Fresno, CA after the war where Manford became a partner and funeral director for Stephens & Bean Funeral Home for more than 50 years. He loved his involvement with the firm while serving many Freo families throughout the year.

Manford was a member of St. Luke's Community Church. He joined Las Palmas Lodge F&AM #366 in 1948. He was a member and past patron of La Sierra Chapter #555 Order of Eastern Star. Manford was President of his Kiwanis Club in 1962, and served as the Lieutenant Governor of Division 5 from 1978-1979. He had been a member of High Twelve since 1949, and is past Master of all four bodies of Scottish Rite.

Manford loved to fish and hunt. He passed that love of the outdoors and nature to all his family.

In addition to his wife Ann, Manford is survived by his daughter Sally Philips and her husband Chuck of Clovis, CA and their daughter Courtney; second daughter Jane Morton and her son Ryan of Fresno. Manford also has one surviving sister Ruth Morton Duxbury of Manhattan Beach, CA and her two daughters Diane and Janet and their families as well as his sister-in-law Ruby Morton and her son Alton and his family of Whiting, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Edgar, and his sister Lois Morton Rawlings.

A Masonic Service was held at the Scottish Rite Temple in Fresno on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 10:30 AM.