Reverend Paul T. Morton

Reverend Paul T. Morton, 88, of Parkersburg, WV, died Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, OH. He was born in Charleston, WV, a son of the late Reverend Elzy Roy Morton and Hilda Irene (Boyd) Morton.

Paul graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in Charleston, WV, Asbury College in Wilmore, KY, and Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. He was a United Methodist minister for thirty-four years, pastoring at Aldersgate United Methodist in Sissonville, St. John United Methodist in Vienna, Pea Ridge United Methodist in Huntington, Simpson United Methodist in Moundsville, and St. Paul’s United Methodist in Parkersburg. For many years Paul was on the staff of the United Methodist Committee on Relief in New York City. He was the Disaster Relief and Third World Development Officer for the United Methodist church. He traveled throughout the United States and sixty-two other countries overseeing the church’s response to natural disasters, famine, and war refugee camps. It was a highly rewarding part of his ministry. After he retired from the ministry, Paul worked for Leavitt Funeral Home from 1996 to 2013.

In addition to his parents, Paul is preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Loretta Morton; sister and brother-in-law, Bonny and Wendall Eskew; and former wife, Sharon Blackwell.

He is survived by two sons, Steven P. Morton (Lisa) of Dublin, OH and Shawn T. Morton (Elizabeth) of Stevensville, MD; five grandchildren, Taylor, Cody, Georgia, Madison, Zachary, and Alexis; three great-grandchildren, Lyla Rose, Aurora Violet, and Jade Rose; and long-time friend and companion, Patsy Tincher of Parkersburg.

Services will be Tuesday 12:00 PM at Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg. Graveside Services will follow at 3:00 PM at Cunningham Memorial Park in St. Albans, WV. Visitation will be Tuesday 10 AM to 12 PM.