Lonnie W. Morton, 72, passed away unexpectedly at Mercy Hospital on September 29, 2024 from complications of surgery.

Born on May 18, 1952 to Dorothy Card and John Morton, Lonnie was lovingly raised by his mom and step-dad, Lawrence Oakes, Sr.

Lonnie grew up in Spruce Head where he attended local schools and was a 1970 graduate of Georges Valley High School.

In 1975 Lonnie married Kathleen Perkins and moved to Warren, Maine where they raised three children.

Lonnie worked at F.J. O’Hara’s before his passion for cooking led him in another direction. He worked in several area restaurants, learning new skills and gaining experience before starting his own adventure – opening a catering business called A Touch of Class. This business was so successful that he and Kathy opened a restaurant in Rockland with the same name.

In 1993, Lonnie bought his father’s restaurant on Vinalhaven, and moved to the Island with his family. Along with Kathy and their three children working side by side, the Harbor Gawker Restaurant was an iconic establishment on the island and run by the Morton family for 49 years.

In 2006 Lonnie lost his leg to Buerger’s Disease and his second leg in 2011. In subsequent years Lonnie lost an additional five fingers, and yet he persevered to support his family.

In 2018 Lonnie sold his much-loved Harbor Gawker to enjoy a life of retirement. He enjoyed his family, especially his grandkids, his dogs, and gardening. Saturdays were flea market days. While Kathy sold her goods, Lonnie would collect the vendors’ fees, socialize, and buy things he didn’t need.

Although Lonnie wasn’t afraid to die, he would have preferred to spend a little more time with his family, and we weren’t ready to say goodbye yet. He often told people, “Make your peace with God.”

Lonnie will be missed by his wife of 49 years, Kathy, his daughters, Amanda Morton and partner Jamie Cunningham of Searsport and Jana Morton of Rockland, and his son, Landon Morton and partner, Amanda Warren of Vinalhaven, grandchildren Briana, Breklin, Anthony, Cody, Brantley, Liam, Asher, Ruby, and Aubrey, and great granddaughter, Haven.

Lonnie is also survived by his sister, Patty Rackliff and husband Dennis, brother Lawrence Oakes, Jr. and wife Betty, mother-in- law, Carolyne Perkins, and former son-in-law, Cody Roberts, who he still considered family.

Lonnie had an array of extended family, too many to name, who were all a special part of his life.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 4, 2024 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, Maine.

A celebration of Lonnie’s life will be held at the Union Church, Vinalhaven, Maine, on October 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.