Wayne King Morton, 84, of Manchester died Thursday, May 28, 2026 at McArthur Manor after an extended illness. Wayne was born on August 2, 1941 in Manchester, Tennessee to Billie King and Avis (Carden) Morton. He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife Barbara Joan (Phelps) Morton. They were married for 59+ years until her passing in 2023.
Survivors include three children: Greg (Sandy) Morton of Knoxville, Gil (Shannon) Morton of Cookeville, Ginelle (Buck) Baskin of Manchester; six grandchildren, Kaeley Morton and Ella Morton of Knoxville, Leah Morton and Levi Morton of Cookeville, and Owen Baskin and Luke Baskin of Manchester; sister-in-laws, Janice (David) Jackson of Crossville, and Laura (Tim) Sensing of Abilene, Texas; and many cousins, friends, and brethren.
He worked at Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) as an electrical engineer for 42 years and was an elder of Antioch Church of Christ for many years before his health precluded him from attending. Wayne was also an avid outdoorsman, including fishing and game hunting. He enjoyed travelling with his wife Joan, teaching bible class, farming, and cheering for Vanderbilt, his alma mater.
The Morton family is thankful for the compassionate care received by the staff of Amedisys Hospice, Cornerstone Caregiving, and McArthur Manor. Central Funeral Home is proud to serve the Morton family.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 2:00pm at Central Funeral Home in Manchester. Visitation will be on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 12 PM until the time of service. Burial will follow in Fredonia Cemetery. Requested pallbearers are: Owen Baskin, Luke Baskin, Levi Morton, Daniel McCullough, John McKelvey, Larry McKelvey, and Chris Anderson. Honorary pallbearers are: Danny Sells, Harold Shelton, Sam Shelton, Danny McCullough, Steve Johnson, Tony Johnson, James Hugh McKelvey, John Emery Carden, and Wayne Richardson.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Antioch Church of Christ (3400 16th Model Rd, Manchester, TN 37355) or a charity of your choice.
Central Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of the Morton family, 931-723-7774, centralfuneralhome.com
