Ralph Edward Morton

Ralph Edward Morton, 81, of Jackson, passed away Friday, February 16, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Southeast in Cape Girardeau.

Ralph was born April 2, 1942, in Oak Ridge, Missouri, to Lester and Inez Schmidt Morton.  He and Retha Lavena Volz were married February 9, 1964, at First Baptist Church in Oak Ridge.  Four children were born to their union, Darlene, Tammy, Rusty, and Misty.  Ralph and Retha celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary a week before Ralph’s passing.

Ralph worked 29 years at Lee Rowan in Jackson and retired as a truck driver for Semco in Perryville.  After retirement, he enjoyed shuttling vehicles for Benning Motors.

Ralph was currently a faithful member and serving as a deacon at Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Jackson.  He was ordained as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Jackson and was previously a member at Caney Fork and First Baptist Church in Oak Ridge.

In retirement, Ralph and Retha enjoyed visiting family and friends.  Ralph liked to work outside, and in his spare time he enjoyed woodworking, especially making birdhouses.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife, Retha of Jackson; three children, Darlene (Noel) Jordan of Owensboro, Kentucky; Tammy (Andy) Stephens of Wingo, Kentucky; and Rusty (Kristy) Morton of Gardner, Kansas; four grandchildren, Lauren (Tyler) Hundley, Austin Stephens, Allison Morton, and Logan Stephens; a great-grandson, Miles Hundley; Retha’s siblings, E. E. “Sonny” (Gayla) Volz and Loretta (late Charles) Wilson; a brother-in-law, Bill (late Julaina “Jenny”) Hargraves; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by a daughter, Misty Retha Morton (3/26/2017); his parents, Lester and Inez Morton; Retha’s parents, George Franklin and Flora Matthew (Asher) Volz; and Retha’s siblings:  Everett (Drucille) Volz, Dollie (E.W.) Sawyer, Wanda (Gilford) Riebold, Leavada (J.P.) Daniels, Julaina “Jenny” Hargraves; Eulalia (Charles) McCanless; Elson (Linda) Volz; and four young siblings, Flora, Eldon, Kenneth Volz, an infant baby sister; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, February 20, 2024, and from 11 a.m. to service time, Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The Rev. Don Estes will conduct the funeral service at 1 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.  Interment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests Shriners Children’s Hospital in St. Louis.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above this article.

Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. Louis
4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis MO 63110
Tel: 1-314-432-3600
Web: https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/119312/#!/donation