Frank Eugene Morton, Sr.

Sergeant First Class Frank Eugene Morton, Sr., 77, of Avis, Pa., passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on Jan. 31, 1949, in Renovo, Pa., Frank was the son of the late Kenneth F. and Mary Bell (Pelton) Morton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Morton, Jr., and his sister, Mary Ann Morton.

Frank married the love of his life, Jeanette Choma, on July 15, 1968. Their marriage was blessed in the church at St. Joseph in Renovo on Oct. 31 the same year.

Frank is survived by his devoted wife, Jeanette Morton; his children, Elizabeth (Kelly) Whitty, Frank Morton, Jr., Crystal (Perry) St. Laurent and Kathleen (Chris) Rimbeck; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert Morton; and a sister, Barbara Morton.

Frank graduated from Renovo High School in 1967. Before entering the military, he served his hometown as a police officer in South Renovo. He also worked in forestry and at Piper Aircraft. In 1975, he answered a higher call and enlisted in the United States Army. He went on to serve with distinction as a Special Forces Airborne soldier.

Frank lived a life defined by service to his country, his community, his church and, above all, his family.

During his 22 years of honorable service, Frank served in the 7th Special Forces Group, serving South American countries. He also worked with the Special Warfare Center, assisting with visiting dignitaries and contributing to the training and readiness of America’s elite soldiers. He retired honorably in 1997.

After his military service, he continued his lifelong commitment to helping others. He volunteered as an instructor and a Disaster Action Team member with the American Red Cross and was a nationally registered EMT, volunteering at Stoney Point Fire & EMS (N.C.), South Renovo Fire & EMS and the West Branch Fire Department (Pa.).

Frank’s devotion to community service began long before and continued long after his military retirement. During the devastating flood of 1972 in Renovo, he was active in Civil Defense efforts. In the early 2000s, he served as the Code Enforcement Officer and mayor for South Renovo.

He loved the outdoors and found great joy in hunting, fishing and camping. Music was a lifelong passion. In the 1960s, he played drums alongside his father in the Hokey Pokes band. For more than 40 years, throughout his military service and into retirement, he played guitar in various church choirs, faithfully offering his gift of music in worship.

Sergeant First Class Frank Eugene Morton, Sr. will be remembered as a patriot, a servant leader, a gifted musician, a devoted husband and a proud father and grandfather. His legacy of faith, service and steadfast love will live on in all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his honor to the Citizen’s Hose Company, 415 Fourth St., Renovo, PA 17764 or The VFW Riders Group District 15 of Muncy, 12 N. Market St., Muncy, PA 17756-1025.

A funeral service for Frank E. Morton, Sr. will be held on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at 11 a.m., at the Gedon Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, LLC., 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven, with Pastor Susan Champion officiating. Burial will take place at the North Bend Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.

Thoughts and memories can be made at the Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook page or www.GedonFuneralHomes.com.