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Millard “Gene” Morton, 90, of Dripping Springs, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026. Gene was born on July 1, 1936, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, to Bannister and Nellie Kellum Morton. Raised on his family’s tobacco farm, Gene learned the value of hard work at an early age, spending countless hours working in the fields and helping support the family business. Following his graduation from high school in 1955, Gene proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished 23-year military career that would take him around the world and ultimately lead him to the love of his life.
While stationed in Austin, Texas, Gene met Rebecca “Beckie” Shultz. The two married on December 20, 1956, and together welcomed and raised four sons while building a life that took them to numerous duty stations, including Puerto Rico. Throughout his military service, Gene served in Turkey and Vietnam, earning the distinction of Vietnam Veteran. His dedication to his country and his fellow servicemen remained an enduring source of pride throughout his life.
Upon retiring from the United States Air Force in 1977, Gene continued his commitment to serving others. He spent the following decade serving his community as a firefighter with the Olmos Park Fire Department and as a Deputy Sheriff with the Kendall County Sheriff’s Department. Whether wearing the uniform of an airman, firefighter, or deputy, Gene approached life with the same unwavering dedication to helping those around him.
Gene was married to Beckie until her passing in 1989. In June 1990, he married Mickie Beck, and the two shared many years together until her passing in 2018.
Gene was truly an institution of a man, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. As he often said, “He never met a stranger,” and those words perfectly captured his larger-than-life personality. Gene had a gift for making people feel welcome, whether they were lifelong friends or someone he had just met. His infectious humor, outgoing nature, and unmistakable presence made him the life of any gathering.
A passionate sports fan, Gene proudly cheered for the Rams and Dodgers and held a special admiration for Michael Jordan. When he wasn't watching his favorite teams, he could often be found planning his next adventure. Travel was one of his greatest joys, particularly trips to the beach and Las Vegas.
Gene spent nearly 50 years in Boerne, Texas, where he became a familiar face and cultivated countless lifelong friendships. As the years passed and friends began to leave this world, Gene once remarked that he was “running out of friends.” Yet even as his circle grew smaller, his spirit remained vibrant, and his family continued to be a constant source of love, companionship, and support.
Above all, Gene cherished his relationship with the Lord. Faith was a part of his life throughout the years, growing especially meaningful during his later seasons. He looked forward to attending Life Austin Church each Sunday with his son Gary and devoted countless hours each week to prayer, reading the Bible, and sharing the Word of God with family and friends.
Those who knew Gene throughout his life witnessed a softer, more reflective side of him emerge in his later years. His faith brought him comfort and peace, and he never ended a telephone call or personal conversation without saying, “God Bless You.” At the time of his passing, Gene was at peace with his life and his faith, and his family finds comfort in knowing he is now home with the Lord.
Gene will be remembered for his service, his stories, his unmistakable personality, his devotion to family, and the countless friendships he made along the way. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the generations who will continue to carry his memory forward.
He is survived by his sister, Marie Riggs; his four sons, Millard Gene Morton Jr. and wife Clara, Gary Wayne Morton and wife Sandra, Michael Van Morton and wife Tish, and David Ray Morton and wife Kim; his stepdaughter, Charlotte Caudill; sixteen grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren, along with numerous extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bannister and Nellie Kellum Morton; his first wife, Rebecca “Beckie” Morton; and his second wife, Mickie Morton.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Christopher House in Austin for their care and support, as well as to the many family members and friends who faithfully kept Gene in their prayers throughout his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Christopher House in honor of Gene’s memory.
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Legacy
Millard ''Gene'' Morton
July 1, 1936 – September 28, 2026
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