Donald Paul Morton, Sr. August 26, 1933 – June 25, 2016 Born in Portland, Oregon in 1933, Don was the 4th child of Homer J. and Anna G. (Johnson) Morton, graduated from Grant High School and attended Lewis and Clark College prior to his 1953 enlistment in the US Army where he served in Germany and continued reserve duties until honorably discharged in 1961. Don began his planning career as Clackamas County Planning Director, Oregon City, OR. In 1967 he and Theresa married and moved to the Tri-Cities for employment as Executive Director of the Benton Franklin Council of Government until his retirement in March 2000. Don served on various state boards and was one of the longest tenured Directors of any "planning" agency in the nation. He had a lifelong interest and enjoyment of cars and in his early years raced cars in the NW and Canada. As a hobby, he bought, rebuilt and sold Italian Alfa Romeos and started an Alfa Romeo owners club in the Tri-Cities. He and his wife traveled the western U.S., Hawaii, Canada and Europe where his interest in trains accelerated. He enjoyed the Oregon Coast, fishing, bicycling, mountain climbing, hiking, camping, hand-crafting fishing rods, building a cabin, wood crafts, drafting and designing, his cars, tools, old movies, collecting LGB trains, unique model cars, pipes and anything Sherlock Holmes. He could do just about anything and generously shared tools and knowledge. Don's smile, happy disposition, great sense of humor and stories endeared him to many. He was a kind and gentle man who loved people, animals, research, being outdoors among nature and especially storm watching. Papa Don's favorite pastime was "decking it" greeting new and long-time friends as they golfed and spending time with grandsons Nicholas and Alexander chatting into the wee hours. He is survived by his "bride" of 48 years, Theresa, four children, Donald Paul Morton, Jr., Leslie Lingenfelter, Michelle Johnson and Kristi Martin all of the Portland, Oregon region, 12 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law. He is predeceased by his parents, siblings Iris, Osmond and Nadine, his son-in-law, Buzz Martin, granddaughter Melissa and great granddaughter Jocelyn. A memorial Mass celebrating Don's life will be held on what would be his 83rd birthday, Friday, August 26, 2016, 11:00 a.m., at Christ the King Catholic Church, Richland WA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House, Kennewick or the VFW.