Norman E. Morton

Norman (Norm) Edward Morton, 95, passed away peacefully at his home in Montereau, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born on January 21, 1930, in a Standard Oil of Ohio (Sohio) Company house in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma, Norm was the eldest of five sons born to Joseph and Marie Morton. He was raised in Salem, Illinois, where he attended Salem High School, excelling both academically and athletically. A talented athlete, he played football and set the school's pole vault record-a point of pride he carried throughout his life. After high school, Norm began his career with Stanford Engineering in Salem before joining the United States Air Force in 1950. His service took him to Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, Riverside Air Force Base in California, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, before returning home to Salem. He was honorably discharged in April 1956. During his time in service, Norm met the love of his life, Phyllis Jean Gaskill, and the two were married on November 9, 1952. The couple later moved to Oklahoma, where Norm attended Oklahoma State University (OSU) and earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Petroleum. Phyllis supported the family during those years, and on May 9, 1959, proudly accepted his diploma on his behalf. A dedicated and tireless worker, Norm began his professional career with the National Supply Fluid Packed Company before joining Texaco, where he served for 30 years. After retiring from Texaco, he continued his career at Weatherford for 15 years and later at Plaster & Wald for an additional 14 years. Norm finally retired at the age of 90 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Norm was a passionate OSU Cowboy fan, traveling extensively with family and friends to cheer on his beloved team. He loved watching both football and basketball and passed his enthusiasm down through generations of family members. His deep faith guided his life, and he often spoke fondly of "serving on God's staff in Heaven." Norm was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 69 years, Phyllis Morton. He is survived by his children, Malinda (Steve) Crall and Kevin (Carolyn) Morton; his four grandchildren, Christine (Zach) Taylor, Christal (Ryan) Lynch, Dr. Catherine (Mitchell) Shaurette, and James (Madison) Morton; and five great-grandchildren, Caden, Madison Kate, Ella, Everly, and Isaiah. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of St. Francis Hospice for their care and support during Norm's peaceful transition. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Owasso Baptist Home for Children (OBHC) or South Tulsa Baptist Church (STBC), organizations close to Norm's heart.

Norman E. Morton

January 21, 1930 - November 11, 2025