George R. Morton

July 14, 1923 – January 13, 2013

George Raymond Morton was born in Griswold, Iowa and grew up on the family farm. He attended a one-room country school house until the eighth grade.

During World War II he put his college education on hold and enlisted in the Navy on December 15, 1942. He served on the USS General M. M. Patrick and was discharged on April 5, 1946 as a Radarman 3rd Class. After the Navy, he returned to Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa and graduated with a civil engineering degree.

Eager for employment and adventure in warmer climes, he flew a small plane with his college roommate from Atlantic, Iowa to Belem, Brazil in 1948. In Brazil, he completed a 26 month contract with an oil exploration company, doing gravity meter surveys in the Amazon basin. During a stay in the city of Belem, he met Carlota de Sa at a church dance. While they couldn't share much conversation, they fell in love while dancing. They married in Belem on June 22, 1950. After the wedding, they moved to Texas where they started a family and George began working for General Dynamics.

During George's career in aeronautics, he worked on the X-15, the DC-10, and the Atlas Missile program. In the 1950's and 1960's, the family moved back and forth between Texas and California, finally settling in San Diego in 1968. While in San Diego, George worked as a civil engineer for the City of San Diego, focusing on bridge and street improvements. Ever the innovative engineer even at home, he installed solar panels in the early 1970's and his citrus and avocado trees benefited from a self-designed recycled water system.

He retired in 1988 and spent his days with his family and friends and enjoyed writing and traveling.

George passed away peacefully at his home in San Diego on January 13. He is survived by his loving wife, Carlota, three children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at St. Therese Church, 6016 Camino Rico in San Diego on Tuesday, January 22 at 11:00 a.m.

Viewing from 4 to 8 pm Monday January 21, and Rosary at 7 pm at Goodbody Mortuary 5027 El Cajon Blvd.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, January 25, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Whipple Cemetery, Northwest of Griswold. Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is in charge of arrangements.