In Memoriam: Morton Renfroe, Jr.

    On the afternoon of July 10, 2015, Morton Cleveland Renfroe, Jr. passed away at the home that he and his wife of 62 years, Gloria June Denham Renfroe, built together in 1959. For nearly 60 years, their home has been a place of refuge and gathering for friends, family, and assorted strays. Because of the love and joy that resided there, it was Morton’s wish to spend his final hours at his home surrounded by his family and fond memories. He was known by some as "Mort," to others, Mr. Renfroe, to a few as "Gampy," but to me, simply as Dad. He was a tinkerer, mechanic, pilot, and all around craftsman of sorts. Dad taught me that "a little work never killed anyone." In fact, his late mother once naively remarked about the long hours he was working to provide for us, suggesting that "Mort just loves to work!" He believed in living simply, honoring his faith in God, and putting his family first. He taught me that the secret to a long and happy marriage is to “Never, ever” argue with my spouse and that “Yes, dear” is always a good answer. Because of dad, I can’t help but turn my head to the sky in wonder whenever I hear an airplane propeller turning overhead. I can’t always name the plane like he could, but I do always wish I could be up there next to him. His was a life well lived!   
    He leaves behind a legacy of lessons, passed on to his three children, Gloria LaVelle Renfroe Sutherland, Guy Cleveland Renfroe, and Dwayne Dalton Renfroe. His grandchildren by LaVelle are Desiree Alanna Sutherland and Aaron Cain Sutherland. His grandchildren by Guy are Brandon Ourso, Morton Morgan Renfroe, Crystal June Renfroe Mayers, and Taylor Nicole Renfroe. His grandchildren by Dwayne are Cade Dalton Renfroe, Claire Angele Renfroe, and Camille Marie Renfroe. He also had 6 great grandchildren, and one on the way. 
    Mort was born on July 8, 1932, in Jasper, Alabama. He graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1951, and attended Louisiana State University before enlisting in the United States Air force in 1953, during the Korean War. He was promoted to the rank of Crew Chief while stationed at Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso, Texas. He was honorably discharged on March 3, 1957, at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He and Gloria then returned to Baker, Louisiana, where he worked for, and retired from, Kaiser Aluminum after years of service as an Electrical and Instrumentation Technician. He was a private pilot, charter member, and past president of the Baton Rouge Chapter 244 Experimental Aircraft Association. Flying was his lifelong passion. He was preceded in death by father Morton Cleveland Renfroe, Sr.; mother Maude Powers Renfroe; and three sisters, Eloise, Margaret, and Maude Elizabeth. Visitation was held at Seale Funeral Home, Central, LA on Wednesday, July 15, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and resumes on Thursday, July 16, from 11 a.m. until service at 12 p.m., officiated by Bro. Jonathan Samuel. Burial will take place at Greenoaks Memorial Park, Baton Rouge with military honors. Please share your condolences at www.sealefuneral.com.