Joe Morton

MORTON, JOE 88, a long time resident of Ruidoso, passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Casa Maria Health Care Center in Roswell, NM. Joe was born march 21, 1921 in avis, OK. He was on of twelve children and spent much of his youth in Carlsbad, NM. During the 1930s, Joe worked with the CCC building roads in the Ruidoso area. Joe was a Navy, combat veteran of World War II serving on the USS Bagley in the Pacific. Most of his professional life he worked at the Villa Restaurant now K-Bobs and the Jockey Club at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track.brbrHis wife Mary Ellen preceded Joe in death. Survivors include two sisters, Ruth Weaver of Debuque, IA, and Jenny Hoefs of Kingsland, TX and several nieces and nephews. In his last years, Joes close circle included niece Julie McIntosh and husband, Stuart, of Albuquerque, his dear friends Terri Royston and husband, Ralph, of Ruidoso, and niece Betty Champion of Las Cruces.brbrJoe was kind and caring man. He will be missed. Cremation has taken place and a private memorial will be held at a later date.brbrFriends may pay their respects online at www.lagronefuneralchapels.com.brbrArrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.brbr