Thomas M. Morton ’65

Thomas M. Morton ’65 died in Santa Cruz, California, on September 5, 2020, after a long illness. Tom came to Dartmouth from Menlo Park, California, and was an engineering major. He went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s in engineering from Thayer School. He was a member of Beta, Sphinx, and Green Key. Tom enjoyed a distinguished 37-year career at Lockheed-Martin in Sunnyvale, California, winning many awards. He retired as vice president of its fleet ballistic missile program. In his 25th reunion yearbook Tom talked with pride of his role developing the Polaris, Poseidon, and Trident submarine missile systems—“the nation’s most effective system deterring nuclear war.” Known for his quiet wit and humble manner, Tom also excelled in physical fitness and participated in swimming, scuba diving, weight training, football, and jogging. He and his wife of 48 years, Karen, found time for worldwide travel and they loved giving dinner parties, where Tom was her sous chef. He loved a variety of music: bluegrass, jazz, oldies, and, of course, Johnny Cash. He leaves behind Karen, sisters Jane and Martha, and children Blake, Heather, Cheryl, and Kevin.