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Submitted: 3/21/13 • Approved: 3/21/13 • Last Updated: 3/24/13 • R849843-G0-S3
SPECIALIST FIFTH CLASS US Army
June 29, 1935 - April 8, 2010
*Obituary
Paul Dean Morton, age 74, of Higden went to be with the Lord Thursday, April 8, 2010. He was born June 29, 1935, to the late Nealy and Flossie Carr Morton.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by one brother, W. H. “Bo” Morton and by one sister Alene Morton.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 55 years, Shelby Cothren Morton; sons, John Morton (Pam), and Jamie Morton (Lynn). Also left to cherish the memory of their “Pop”, are grandchildren, Nealy Morton, Allie and Bo Jaden Morton. His precious sister, Mildred Thompson of Clinton and one niece, Nancy (Rick) Rana of Heber Springs are also surviving him.
Paul Dean was born and grew up in Higden and attended Higden and West Side Public Schools and was a 1953 graduate of Heber Springs High School. At the age of 14 he took his first job with the Nebraska Bridge Pole Company. After high school graduation he worked for Langster Oil Company and Kelly Oil Company. He and Shelby also owned and operated Morton Grocery in Higden from 1957 – 1974.
In 1962, while serving in the Arkansas National Guard, Paul Dean was called in to full-time service during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
September 15, 1963, he began his career with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as a Game Warden in Cleburne County. One of his first assignments was the daunting task of patrolling the newly impounded Greers Ferry Lake. P.D. quickly became the friendly and fair representative of the Game and Fish Commission. He remained in his home county until retirement on April 30, 2001. He was selected Wildlife Officer of the Year in 1975, for his outstanding hard work and professional dedication. Another highlight of his 38 year career was his promotion in April, 1995, to Captain over the C-1 enforcement district and the six counties it encompasses.
Paul Dean was a supporter of many civic and community organizations throughout his life. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, he was a member of the Higden Town Council. Since 1992, he has served as the Chairman of the Election Commission of Cleburne County and was Chairman of the Cleburne County Democratic Central Committee. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Community Water System since February, 2003.
After placing his trust and faith in our Blessed Hope and Savior in 1990, he became an active member of the family of West Side Baptist Church in Greers Ferry.
Known by some people as Paul Dean and as P.D. by others, his grandchildren knew him as Pop. Pop loved everyone but especially loved his family. He will be missed in so many ways by so many people. He considered many to be his extended family, from precious co-workers to fellow church members and townspeople.
We, his family, wish to express our gratitude for the tremendous outpouring of concern and especially for the prayers offered for us; they have sustained us and lifted us up. We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to every doctor, nurse, and hospital staff we encountered during this journey. We believe that you were all Divinely placed in our path.
Visitation will be from 2 until 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 11, 2010, and the Celebration of his life on Monday, April 12, 2010 at 11:00 am. Both services to be held at West Side Baptist Church in Greers Ferry.
Contributed on 3/21/13 by hawkinsdonna48
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Record #: 849843