Morton Lee Hall, 90 of West Plains MO passed away at NHC on January 8, 2025 following a brief illness. Morton was born in Newark MO on December 31, 1934 to Lester and Evia Hall. He was raised on the family farm in Locust Hill MO along with his younger siblings: Donald, Leroy and Louise. Morton graduated from Novelty High School in 1953 before heading off to college in Columbia MO. While in college, one of his roommates happened to be from Howell County MO. This friendship led to many visits and eventually to his relocation to the area in 1955. Morton was employed at Pease-Moore Mill for many years along with ABC Concrete in West Plains.
Mort’s upbringing on a farm contributed to his lifelong love of all types of machinery but especially tractors. He was a dedicated member of the Ozarks Older Iron Club in Cabool for many years. Mort enjoyed working on the club house expansion, announcing the tractor pulls and especially setting up the kid’s games. He loved watching the younger generation compete in the skill games and gain confidence. In 2020 Morton was inducted into the National Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association Hall of Fame, an award he was honored and proud to receive. Morton also enjoyed music and was a member of Heart of the Ozarks Bluegrass Association (HOBA) so he was frequently in attendance at their events. He was also a regular at The Old Time Music Heritage Festival and bonfire jam sessions with friends. Morton was even a part of a square-dancing club in his younger years.
Morton is survived by his companion of 15 years, Cheryl Kuschel; his brother, Donald (Shirley) Hall; his sister-in-law Shirley Hall; his children: Oleta (Michael) Harris, Velina (Rene) Perez, Barclay Hall, Wesley (Janet) Hall, and Twila (Christopher Akins) Hall; his step-children: LaDonna Feller, Richard (Patsy) Alexander, and Ramona (Steve) Watters. Morton leaves behind several grandchildren: Amanda Quickel, Britney Frederick, Justin Hall, Jennifer Shorter, Michael Smith, Brandon Watters, Janet Sader, Tom Fellers and Earl Fellers. Morton considered himself fortunate to be around long enough to see his great-grandchildren. Morton also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Morton was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Leroy Hall, his sister Louise Moyer and her husband Joe Allen, and his grandsons Nathan Perez and Matthew Alexander.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Morton Hall on Saturday, January 18th at the West Plains Senior Center beginning at 11:00 am for family, friends and club members. We will have a brief service around noon followed by a meal and music. We will be sharing the things Morton loved in honor of his life: visiting with family and friends, sharing our memories, enjoying good food and good music.