Douglas Bywater Morton

After a five-year battle with colorectal cancer, Douglas Bywater Morton, 78, of Hyrum, Utah, left this world peacefully on November 8, 2025, in the comfort of his home, a place filled with memories, sunlight, and the quiet echoes of a life well lived.

Doug was born on May 10, 1947, in Salt Lake City to Emery Llewellyn Morton and Dorothy Myrle Bywater. He grew up with a curious mind, a deep love for the outdoors, and was happiest under open skies. From an early age, he was drawn to open roads, mountain trails, homemade fireworks, the hum of engines, and the calm rhythm of growing things. He found joy in motorcycles and machines, in backpacking through the mountains, and in tending his gardens with patience, care, and pride.

After graduating from South High School in 1965, Doug began working as a mechanic before being drafted into the United States Army in August 1966. His time in service became a defining chapter of pride and purpose in his life. Though it began with uncertainty, he came to value the discipline, devotion to service, and sense of belonging it gave him. He often said the Army helped shape him into the man he was meant to become, disciplined, resourceful, and devoted to those around him.

Among his most meaningful duties while in the military, and one he held sacred throughout his life, was escorting home the fallen soldiers of the Vietnam War. That experience left a deep and lasting mark on him. Doug carried with him the memory of each young man he accompanied home, honoring their sacrifice with quiet reverence. Thirty years after his honorable discharge, Doug visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., where he found and photographed the names of every soldier he had once brought home, a gesture of remembrance, gratitude, and enduring respect.

In 1968, Doug married Marsha Teeples, and together they welcomed a daughter, Deniece. Though their paths later diverged, they remained united in their love for her.

Years later, fate brought Doug together with Katherine “Baby Girl” Williams, a recent BYU graduate introduced to him by his sister, Susan. Doug and Kathy married in 1976 and built a partnership grounded in laughter, respect, and unwavering love. Together, they raised two children, Darcey and Brandon, creating a home where hard work, kindness, and humor thrived.

Doug’s strong work ethic carried through his career. While working for Lyn Wilson, his sense of fairness and leadership quickly became evident. When employees raised concerns about wages, Doug did not just listen; he acted. Clipboard in hand, he gathered their voices, brought them to management, and helped spark lasting change. That simple act of courage and compassion set the tone for the rest of his professional life.

Doug later joined the United States Department of Agriculture, where he served for 32 years in roles that reflected both his skill and integrity. He began as an inspector, later becoming a Consumer Safety Officer and eventually a union representative. Guided by mentors, he rose through the ranks to become Secretary Treasurer for the Western States and later for the National Union. He often said, “I did not know I could do this, but I could do it well.” For Doug, leadership was never about power; it was about people, about fairness, about helping others find their voice.

The mountains remained his second home. Doug climbed Mount Borah eight times, reaching the summit and crossing “Chicken Out Ridge” on four of those adventures. He loved sharing the wild with others, leading friends, and family on unforgettable backpacking trips. The Uinta Mountains were his favored playground. The calm lakes, rushing rivers, and rugged peaks calling him back again and again. He had a creative spirit that relished a little danger. Whether breaking new ground beneath his boots, following a familiar footpath, or floating over still water on a raft of his own making.

At home, Doug was the quiet center of his family. He was steady, loyal, and endlessly patient. He offered wisdom freely, laughter often, and love without measure. He cherished family gatherings, long talks, and weekly hikes in Logan Canyon with his dear friends Don and Rich. He enjoyed simple moments shared with those he cherished. His grandchildren brought him immense joy, and his presence in their lives will be forever felt.

Doug survives through his devoted wife, Kathy; his daughters, Deniece Reyes and Darcey (Billy) Casavant; his grandchildren, Celina, Ethan, Erika, and Micah; and great-grandchildren, Jude and Tyler. He is also survived by his siblings, Gary (Marva) Morton of Ogden and Susan (Lorin) Thunell of Heber City, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his beloved son, Brandon; dearest grandson, Tylan Reyes; his parents; brothers, LaMonte and Kenneth; sister-in-law, Myrna Morton; and nephew, Kenneth Clint “KC” Morton.

Doug’s life was defined by quiet strength, steady hands, and a generous heart. He lived with integrity, worked with purpose, and loved with his whole being. His legacy endures in the lives he touched and in the family that will forever carry his spirit forward.

We would like to give a special thank you to the Intermountain Health Care Hospice staff who showed great care and devotion. Their compassionate and warmhearted service was greatly appreciated.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Hyrum 6th Ward Church located at 455 East 100 South in Hyrum, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral on Saturday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the same location.

Interment will follow in the Hyrum City Cemetery. A luncheon for family and friends will follow interment at the Hyrum 6th Ward Church located at 455 East 100 South in Hyrum, Utah.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.