More detail on this person: Gary Walter Morton of Central Point, Oregon departed from this earth on September 25, 2021. Gary was born near San Francisco, California on June 10, 1950. He is survived by his son Justin Morton, daughter Jenny Buck-Olson, brother Frank Morton and sister Carrie Hinz. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. If you were fortunate enough to have known Gary personally, you would have experienced every emotion. He loved deeply, frustrated intensely and had a wit and charm along with "that grin" that would have those around him laughing nonstop. He never quite mastered the "politically correct" narrative of today. His first day living in an assisted living establishment a gal walked by with a rather overweight dog. Gary said to her "what's your dogs name"? She responded followed by Gary promptly asking her "have you ever heard of Jenny Craig?" Gary had lifelong friendships several of those with fellow pilots. Upon learning of Gary's passing one friend that served with him in Vietnam wrote the following: "Gary served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division HHC, 1st Brigade, his helicopter call sign, Deadbone 22. Gary received high honors for his brave flying skills. He was awarded several Air medals with "V" for Valor, heroism and meritorious achievement, two Distinguished Flying Cross metals for heroism, an Army Commendation Medal for sustained acts of heroism and meritorious service and a National Defense Metal for serving in a foreign war, Vietnam. He was the only pilot I knew that got rescued by riding on a Cobra gunship's rocket pod after his scout helicopter was shot down. Gary's story is truly "epic." Gary served his country well as a Chief Warrant Officer Helicopter Pilot. Gary's civilian life was filled with adventure but his greatest love was flying helicopters. He enjoyed the challenge of fighting forest fires, helicopter logging and was responsible for lifting the Science Submarine from Crater Lake. After Vietnam while logging, his helicopter crashed breaking his back. For a year and a half, he fought to walk again, which he did ....yes, Gary was a fighter in every sense of the word. He also dabbled in finance, real-estate and other side ventures but always came back to his first love which was flying helicopters. For those that knew Gary and truly loved him he will be deeply missed. Because we know Gary realized he was going to heaven and he would finally be able to meet Jesus, Elvis, family members and a host of others, Gary is in a good place. He now has his wings in Heaven. Tribute: WWII Fighter Pilot and Poet: John Gillespie Jr, Killed in 1941 in a mid-air crash. "High Flight" Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings... For those friends and family that would like to attend, a ceremony for Gary will be held at the Eagle Point National Cemetery at 9:00 AM November 12th 2021.
Burial information: Eagle Point National Cemetery, Eagle Point, OR
This information was last updated 10/27/2021
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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