Donald Richard Morton, 97, St. Louis, passed away on June 25, 2026.
He was born on Sept. 5, 1928, to the late Wilfred and Inez Morton in St. Louis.
He attended Missouri Military Academy in Mexico for his high school years and was a standout athlete in track and football during his years there.
After graduating from there, Don attended Central Methodist University in Fayette. He met his future wife, Lela Kaullen, affectionately known as “Dumpy” by her family and friends and the love of his life. Don graduated from CMU with a degree in chemistry.
He was united in marriage to Lela “Dumpy” Kaullen on July 21, 1949.
After a series of jobs and children, Don enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis, and earned a Master’s in Education. He taught science enrichment programs for elementary students in the Ritenour School District. Don became a high school teacher at Parkway Central Sr. High and then Parkway West Sr. High. He also coached football and track there, as well. Don was passionate about football and loved coaching!
His hobbies included 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 (Minnesota and Colorado). He was happiest when spending time at the family farm in Linn with Lela in their later years.
Don was preceded in death by parents, Wilfred and Inez.
He is survived by children, Dean, David, Diane and Debbie; six grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial will be held from 2 until 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 1 at the family home located at 804 Dutch Mill Dr. in Ballwin.
Memorial contributions suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project. https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/campaign/Don-Morton-Memorial
Arrangements entrusted to Schrader Funeral Home in Ballwin.
