Ernest Lavon "Sarge" Morton

Ernest Lavon “Sarge” Morton was born in Ranger, Texas, to Ernest Howell and Joan Morton on July 10, 1931. Lavon married Ruth Green on June 18, 1949, in Sweetwater, Texas. Their first child, Nancy Lavon, was born in Sweetwater in 1952, and the family moved to Lubbock shortly thereafter.

Lavon began working for Western Windmill in 1951, where he served in several roles over the years, including price clerk, buyer, merchandise manager, bookkeeper, and credit manager. He was later appointed general manager at a very young age, earning the nickname “Sarge.”

Ruth and Sarge welcomed their daughter Linda Jane in 1956 and their son Jim Bob in 1958. In 1963, Sarge, his wife, and a partner founded C&M Supply, a plumbing supply company. The Mortons purchased their partner’s share in 1972, and in 1976 they expanded the business by adding a lighting showroom.

Sarge loved playing the guitar and often performed at nursing homes and community events. He devoted much of his life to helping others--volunteering for many years in the food kitchen at First United Methodist Church, visiting inmates in prison and staying connected with them after their release, and serving as a Stephen Minister after completing his Caring Ministry training. As a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Sarge faithfully checked in on fellow church members and volunteered in local hospitals, always finding ways to lift others up.

Sarge was a pilot and owned three airplanes over the years. He was a 32nd° Mason and a member of the Lubbock Motor Escort. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, watching his grandchildren’s sports, and fishing with them—some of his favorite ways to spend time with his family.

Sarge is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Morton; his parents, Ernest Howell and Joan Morton; and his granddaughter, Rachel Craig.

He is survived by his three children:

Nancy Dement (Kent),

Linda Craig (Gary)

Jim Bob Morton (Terry),

Eight grandchildren: Kerie Boshka, Kellie Donahoo, Dru Dement, Anna Craig, Casey Morton, Andy Morton, Cori Dewbre, Seth Morton; and sixteen great-grandchildren. Our dad will be forever missed and forever loved.

A public visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 17, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home, 5740 19th St. Lubbock, TX 79407. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 18, at 11:00 AM at Resthaven Funeral Home, 5740 19th St., Lubbock, TX 79407. A graveside memorial will follow the service.

A luncheon will be held at the funeral home immediately afterward for family and friends.