Philip Taft Morton

Philip T. Morton passed away peacefully on August 5, 2016 in Richmond Texas at the age of 86 after a brave battle with Alzheimer’s. He is a true example of a live well lived and will be missed terribly by his loving family and friends. He was born in Holbrook, MA on March 17, 1930 to Florence (Potter) Morton of Nova Scotia Canada and Albert C. Morton of Termoli Italy.

Philip met the love of his life – Dorothea (Linehan) in 1948 when they both worked at the same restaurant in Quincy, MA. They were happily married for 65 years. They enjoyed traveling and visited most states and went to many World’s Fairs. They traveled to many foreign countries and enjoyed going on cruises including one that went through the Panama Canal.

Philip will be remembered for his many contributions to the local communities that he lived in. He served on many community boards and political positions including: Holbrook Selectman, Finance Committee Member and Lakeland Planning and Zoning Board. He was a Holbrook Policeman for 15 years and was promoted to Police sergeant. Also Philip was a “call” fireman who helped fight fires on an as needed basis.

Philip also worked construction as the original “Fixer Upper” before it was popular on TV. He turned 16 dilapidated buildings into beautiful homes in the Holbrook MA and Lakeland FL. including an old ice cream factory into ten apartments.

Philip was a Mason for 52 years and became a 33rd degree Mason in 1995. He was a member of Norfolk Union Lodge in Randolph MA, Lakeland Lodge #91 in Lakeland FL and Morton Lodge in Richmond TX. Also Philip was a member of Tampa Scottish Rite and Egypt Shrine Temple both in Tampa FL. He donated a year of his time as Construction Superintendent and worked on the job site every day during the construction of the new Lakeland Lodge #91 in 1988. Philip also used his many construction skills to do some remodeling of Morton Lodge in Richmond TX.

Philip and Dorothea retired to Lakeland, FL where they are members of First United Methodist church. They bought the old church parsonage and moved it to 700 East Walnut Street with a view Lake Morton and remodeled it into a beautiful home. Philip enjoyed living on Lake Morton for 22 years and his ashes will be interred in the memorial wall in front of the church facing Lake Morton.

In 1999 they moved to Richmond, TX to be close to family. He was helpful in building barns and fences on the family owned farm. He built over 650 child sized picnic tables and donated his time and materials to schools and civic organizations to raise funds for their needs. He also ran the local Richmond Flea Market that was located on Hwy 90A for 5 years before the land was sold.

Philip was preceded to heaven by his parents, brother and five sisters: Stanley Morton of Dedham, MA, Anna Morton of Holbrook, MA, Carol Louise Brochu of Livermore Falls, ME, Nellie Lyons of Braintree, MA, Sylvia Barrett of Randolph MA, and Carolyn Brown of Digby/Calgary Canada.

Survived by his wonderful wife of 65 years – Dorothea (Linehan) Morton of Boston MA. Daughters - Joyce Anna Roberts and husband David of Apollo Beach, FL. and Judy Brasseur and husband Wilfred, of Richmond TX. Grandchildren – Kristine Willis and husband Chris, Barry Carew and Emily Roberts all of Lakeland, FL and Andrew and Alex Brasseur of Richmond, TX. Great-grandchildren - Armand and Andre Parmar, Kimberly and Anne Willis and Connor Carew all of Lakeland FL and Lainey and Teagan Hall Brasseur of Richmond TX and Great-great grandson Theo of Lakeland FL. One sister – Esther Morton Castano of Ballston Spa, NY. Also many wonderful nieces and nephews and their families scattered across the country and world.

Arrangements under the direction of NEPTUNE SOCIETY - Houston, Houston, TX.