Former Downey mayor Thomas Morton to celebrate 99th birthday

DOWNEY – Thomas H. Morton, a former three-time mayor of Downey now living in Zebulon, Georgia, will celebrate his 99th birthday on May 29.

(Courtesy photo)

Elected to serve Downey’s Fourth District in 1962, Morton was instrumental in obtainin a charter for the city. He also helped Downey obtain state land for what would become Wilderness Park, assisted in getting the 105 Freeway through Downey, oversaw completion of a veterans memorial, helped launch Downey’s beautification program, activated a fifth fire station in southwest Downey, and authorized the extension of Stewart & Gray Road from Woodruff to Firestone Boulevard.

Morton also helped establish the new 152-bed Downey Community Hospital.

Morton is a WWII Navy veteran, serving three years on the destroyer USS Bache DD470. His ship was struck by a kamikaze plane in the Battle of Okinawa; 25 sailors were killed in the attack and another 16 went missing in action.Miraculously, Morton survived, and he was awarded the Navy Ribbon of Commendation for Valor.

Morton’s stepson is Lonnie Croom, Downey’s retired fire chief.

After his time in Downey, Morton moved to Meansville, Georgia, where he worked as the city attorney. He was instrumental in the creation of the Pike Firefigther’s Museum and helped to establish the Good Citizenship Recognition and Award Program in the city of Zebulon.

For his efforts, he has been named Citizen of the Year by the cities of Zebulon and Meansville, Georgia, and presented with a recognition proclamation by the County Board of Commissioners.