Edwin Doyle Morton III

Ted was born September 27, 1969 in Mobile, AL to Edwin Morton Jr. and Rose Marie (James). He was the oldest of three children.

He graduated from Murphy High School in 1987 before going on to obtain a degree in Marine Biology at Auburn University in 1993. He worked in the marine services and sciences in the Bering Sea and North Pacific Ocean in Alaska; the states of Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo; and the Florida Keys. After joining the military, he continued his studies at the Naval Postgraduate School where he obtained his master’s degree in Defense Analysis in 2013. There, he was recognized with the honors of Outstanding Thesis Award and Distinguished Graduate.

Ted enlisted in the U. S. Army Infantry on January 22, 1999. He became a Special Forces Officer and was an ODA Team Leader in 10th SFG(A) before becoming a Company Commander in 1st SFG(A). He completed a total of four combat tours in Iraq (3) and Afghanistan. Additionally, his assignments took him to Mongolia, Nepal, Germany, and the Philippines. His military awards and schools include the Bronze Star Medal (3), Meritorious Service Medal (4), Jumpmaster Honor Graduate, and the Mountain Warfare School.

Ted met his wife, Jade-Lin (Wong), while they were both serving in the Army in Colorado. They shared so much love and so many adventures together. They honeymooned to Everest Basecamp, explored oceans and mountains, and encouraged the best in each other. They have 3 children who love their daddy with everything they have. Ted truly loved being a husband and father. He is cherished by his family with all of their hearts.

Ted’s interests were incredibly varied but he will be especially remembered for his love of adventure. He was an avid skier and mountaineer and climbed Denali, Mont Blanc, and the Matterhorn, among others. Ted would travel to his adventures via vintage vehicle, either a VW bus or Land Rover 110, whenever possible. Beer and laughs would be in plentiful supply.

Ted is survived by his wife Jade; children Stella (10), Edwin (8), and Marcel (5); mother Rose; sister Sara Snead, her husband Tom, and their children; brother John Frank Morton, his wife Erin, and their children; and many more family and friends from around the world.

Services will be planned once his family returns to Washington.