This statement is a great tribute to my Popaw Malvin Mourton. He was a friend to everyone. I don't think he ever met a stranger. He loved to go to the post office to pick up the mail for his business, he always had time to talk to a friend. It was a sad day when this world lost Popaw, but a happy day for Heaven.

Popaw loved to sing! And sing, he did! When he sang, you knew he was singing from the heart. He loved to attend singing conventions, and I'm not talking about the ones you pay to go see. These were 'All Day Singin' With Dinner On The Ground' singing. They were usually on Sunday, so he would preach Sunday morning service, and as soon as service was over, Popaw and Granny would get in the VW bus or VW Beatle and head for the singing. A lot of times they would drive for at least an hour or more, but they would always go. Then, when they knew they had to leave so they would be back in time for Sunday night church, they would leave, and go to church again.

I have attended many a singing with my grandparents. My children would always go along too, when we would go to visit them in the Summer. Popaw always insisted on us singing too. We didn't just sing one song, we had to sing at least two, sometimes more.

This is an essay written by Popaw Malvin's granddaughter, Natalie Mourton not long after he passed away. Hope everyone enjoys it.

Popaw

I remember my grandfather very well. Many people from the town he lived in knew him. He liked to talk. I remember going to my grandparents' house for Thanksgiving. Papaw would cook a turkey and we would have a big dinner. I can also remember going there in the summer, and he would fix his above-ground pool for us. I liked being with my grandfather and I will always remember him.

Around Christmas we would all meet at my grandparents' house and exchange gifts. Papaw always had a big decorated tree set up in the corner. We would put the presents under it.

Almost every year I remember my grandfather dressing up like Santa Claus. He would then go into town. He was the best Santa Claus I have ever seen. Being Santa fit him perfectly.

My grandfather was also a gardener and I remember him staying outside after dark working in his garden. He would spend many hours every day out there. He grew many things: corn, tomatoes, grapes and blackberries. Even now after he is gone, my cousin works in his garden.