Nathaniel George "Ed" Morton

Ed “Mort” Morton, the son of Edward E. and Eva (Jones) Morton, was born on July 29, 1929 in Des Moines, Iowa. He lived in Des Moines for eighty years except for a four year period of military service in the United States Air Force. Ed went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 27, 2010 after a brief stay at Mercy Hospice, Johnston, Iowa.

Ed was educated in the Des Moines Independence School District and graduated from North High School. At North Ed excelled at sports, track and football. He was inducted into the Temple B’Nai Jeshurun - B’nai Brith Sports Hall of Fame.

Ed studied Pharmacy at Drake University and received his barber license from the Iowa Barber College. Ed had many passions. He loved golf – playing and watch, the game of football (KC Chiefs), track and field, making improvements on his home and yard, his fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi (Life Member) his family, and traveling. Ed and Paula traveled extensively throughout the continental United States, Central and South Americas, Canada and Europe, northern Africa and Asia. After Paula’s death, Ed continued his travels to India, Russia and back to northern Africa.

Ed's main passion were his profession and businesses; Mort’s Barber and Beauty shop, Scooters Ice Cream shop, and the jazz night spot Club Rendezvous, all located in the central part of Des Moines, Iowa. He owned and operated Mort’s Barber and Beauty shop for over 50 years before retiring in 2004.

He leaves to cherish his memory; two loving daughters, Justine M. Morton of West Des Moines, Wendy Morton-Green of Mason, Ohio; son-in-law Leo C. “Sy” Green; two grandsons Edward Justin and Miles Gregory Morton-Green of Mason, Ohio; granddaughter Alexandria Leigh Morton-Green.; and a host of nieces and nephews including niece Leslie Funderburk of Pittsburgh, PA; sisters-in-law, Jeannette Bethel of Des Moines, Lois Smith of Villanova, PA, Idah Buckner of Los Angeles, CA and Nancy Windsor of Oakland, CA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Paula JoAnn (Smith); his parents and his sister Louise Wyatt Hawkins. Ed also leaves to remember his legacy a host of extended family members, friends and customers.

Ed always had an opinion on all things that matter and was always willing to share those opinions while you waited for your turn in the chair. He will always be remembered as a significant piece of the fabric of the Des Moines community.

Memorial contributions may be made to the UNCF in memory of Nathaniel "Ed" Morton; http://www.uncf.org, 1-800-331-2244. Online condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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