OBITUARY: Phillip Day Morse

Phillip Day Morse, age 76, passed away at 10:20 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at Shawnee Rose Care Center surrounded by family and friends.

He was born Dec. 10, 1938, in Harrisburg to the late Willard and Gertrude (Pallister) Morse. On Aug. 27, 1960, he married Helen Pauletta Drone and she preceded him in death on June 27, 2010. Together they shared 49 years of marriage. Phillip was a retired coal miner, working as a boss and mine manager at Sahara Coal Company until it closed. He then worked at various mines in the area until his retirement. He also worked as a painter for many years and was an Army veteran.

Phillip was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the American Legion and the Elks. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his good friend Russell Duncan. He loved spending time with his family and friends.

Phillip is survived by his three children: Amy Richey and husband Jim, Scott Morse and wife Barbara and Beth Gibbs and husband Mike; four grandchildren: Jacob Morse, Jessica Richey, Kayla Richey and Paxton Morse; five step-grandchildren; his aunt: Edith Smith; two brothers-in-law: Bob Drone and wife Gin and John Drone and wife Cindy; three sisters-in-law: Dode Howerton, Lou Aton and Beth Drone; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister: Janice Shawmaker; and niece: Jill Endsley.

Phillip was a wonderful father, grandfather and friend. He was best known for his laugh and will be missed.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Harrisburg with Father Steven Beatty officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, at Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church Building Fund or St. Kateri Catholic Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to the family through the obituary page at www.reedfuneralchapel.com.