Eugene Morton, age 88 of Kell, passed away on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham. Eugene went eight years to grade school in a one room school in Raccoon Township. He graduated from Salem Community High School and Attended Millikin University for his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. He attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale for his Master’s Degree in Music Education and Supervision. Eugene taught vocal and instrumental music for 38 years in the public schools in Illinois, 30 of those years were in West Frankfort where he taught High School and Jr. High School vocal music, except the last five years when he taught grades one through three classroom music and elementary band. He retired from West Frankfort. While living in West Frankfort, he also was instrumental repairman for Pashedag Music House for several years. He was a lifetime member of IMEA as well as a member of the Southern IL Vocal Music Association, taking students each year to their annual festivals held throughout Southern Illinois. He was a member of the IRTA from his retirement to the present, serving as Treasurer of MCRTA for more than 25 years. Eugene was a member of the Romine Prairie Presbyterian Church in Kell and was an Elder in the church, the last of seven generations in his family. He also served as song leader and pianist/organist for many years. He served in the Romine Prairie Cemetery Board as well as on the Old Covenator Cemetery Board for many years.
Funeral services for Eugene Morton will be held at 2:30 pm on Friday, December 31, 2021 at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem. Burial will be in the Romine Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until the time of the service. Memorial contributions can be made to the Romine Prairie Cemetery and can be left at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem who is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.
Survivors include his special friends, B.J. Hom and wife Lalaine of Effingham, Kristy Hom; the Ramirez family; and his church family from Romine Prairie Presbyterian.
Eugene was born on September 8, 1933 in Jefferson County, IL the son of Reed and Elma (Parkinson) Morton. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Leonard Leroy Morton, Betty Morton, and Mary Morton.
