Eldon T. Morti, 78, died May 28, 2007, at Hospice House, Hutchinson.

He was born on Aug. 14, 1928, in rural Yates Center, the son of William Truman and Viola Emma Semisch Morti. He was a longtime resident of Hutchinson. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. He was a 1946 graduate of Luray High School, received his bachelor's degree from Kansas University in 1956 and his master's degree from Fort Hayes State University. He was a retired school counselor at both Central Junior High and Hutchinson High School and for 12 years he served as director for the Summer Playground Recreation Program.

He belonged to Forest Park Presbyterian Church where he was an elder and a deacon. He was also a member of Hutchinson Area Retired Teachers, and was a volunteer at the Hutchinson Hospital information desk and Meals on Wheels. He also served on the Hutchinson Heights Advisory Board.

On June 13, 1981, he married Barbara Jones in Hutchinson. She survives.

Survivors include: two daughters, Karen Charles and husband Rich, Camden, Ohio, and Nancy Witt and husband Carter, Eaton, Ohio; one stepdaughter, Cherie Johnson and husband Mike, Huntington Beach, Calif.; a brother, Leonard Morti and wife, Marilynn, El Dorado; one sister, Rose Ina Schlender and husband Mel, Wichita; and eight grandchildren, Manda Light, Tyler Charles, Jesse, Levi, Hannah and Grace Witt, Elaine and David Johnson.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary with Rev. Chris Davis presiding. Visitation will be from 9 to 9 p.m. Wednesday with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be sent to Forest Park Presbyterian or to Hutchinson Area Cancer Support Services, in care of Elliott Mortuary.