Mr. Edmund Ben Morton, 86, of 1204 Charles Rd., passed away Monday, January 2, 2012 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center. A native of Cleveland County he was the son of the late James William and Lillie Mae Gaffney Morton. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served in World War II.

PRECEDED: In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by one daughter, Patricia Dail Morton; one brother, Glenn Ray Morton.

SURVIVED: He is survived by two sons, Richard Morton and wife Angela of Parma Heights, OH, and Eric Morton and wife Vickie of Cherryville; two sisters, Vivian Lucille Cox, and Rebecca Ann Willis both of Hickory, NC; three brothers, James William Morton, Jr. of Hickory, William Chester Morton of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Robert E. Morton of Lincolnton; two grandchildren, Emily Boller and husband Nick of Lexington, OH and Matthew Morton of Parma, OH; one great grandchild, Audrey Mae Boller; a special friend, Lucille Metcalf of Shelby; and numerous nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Friday at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 pm Thursday at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home.

CLERGY: Rev. David Rabb will be officiating.

BURIAL: Burial will immediately follow at Cleveland Memorial Park

MEMORIALS: American Heart Association, 222 S Church St # 303  Charlotte, NC 28202-3247

FUNERAL HOME:    Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby

ONLINE CONDOLENCES: www.claybarnette.com