Donald Richard Morton, age 97, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on June 25th, 2026.  He was born on September 5th, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri to Wilfred and Inez Morton. Don attended Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri for his high school years.  He was a standout athlete during his years there, in track and football. After graduating from there, he attended Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO.  He met his future wife, Lela Kaullen the love of his life. Lela was affectionately known as "Dumpy" by her family and friends. Don graduated from CMU with a degree in Chemistry.

Don and Dumpy were married July 21st, 1949.  After a series of jobs and children, Don enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and earned a Master's in Education.  He taught science enrichment programs for elementary students in the Ritenour School District.  He became a high school teacher at Parkway Central Sr. High and then Parkway West Sr. High. He coached football and track there, as well.  Don was passionate about football and loved coaching!

Hobbies include fishing, piloting small planes, reading, building/remodeling, and canoeing on rivers.  Don's outdoor interests varied from river tripping (in Missouri, Minnesota, and Colorado), to backpacking in the wilderness (MN, CO).  He was happiest when spending time at the family farm in Linn, MO with Lela in their later years.

He is survived by his four children, Dean, David, Diane, and Debbie; 6 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, August 1 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the family home, 804 Dutch Mill Dr. Ballwin, MO 63011

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project

https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/campaign/Don-Morton-Memorial