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Philip Morse Obituary

Philip Charles Morse Philip Charles Morse died on December 19, 2016 at his home after a nine year struggle with cortical basal degeneration (http://memory.ucsf.edu/education/diseases/cbd). He was born in Wichita on June 7, 1941, son of Melvern Charles Morse and Marjorie Jane Stark Morse. In 1952 the family settled in North Topeka. He graduated from Seaman High School in 1959. He later graduated from Washburn University with a bachelor s degree in History and Denver University with a master s degree in International Relations. On August 6, 1961, Phil married Lona Jane Shreffler in Topeka. After two years in the Peace Corps in Chile, they returned to Topeka in 1969. Phil began a long and productive professional life in a variety of occupations associated with residential and commercial real estate. His company, Phil Morse Homes, was responsible for the construction of dozens of homes on Topeka s west side in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1996, with Ken Schmanke, Mike Morse, Mark Rezac, Ed Eller, and Steve Wieser, he established KS Commercial Real Estate from which he retired in 2005. As important to Phil as his professional integrity was his commitment to community service. He was an early president of the Sheltered Living Board of Directors. He served on Topeka s planning commission in the 1990s and early 2000s. He was an early and avid booster of downtown redevelopment. His passion for history and his devotion to community furthered his commitment to do what he could to make the world better. In his later years this was made manifest in his commitment to environmental causes and sustainability. Phil was preceded in death by his parents and son, Joseph Scott. He is survived by wife, Lona, children Kimberly Jane (Nelson C rdova) and Michael Philip (Kathleen Brandstoettner), grandchildren Robert Benjamin and John Philip C rdova, and Joseph Daniel and Margaret Kate Morse, and brother Allen Joseph (Patricia Quinlan). A celebration in Phil s honor will be between 4:30pm and 8:30 on December 30 at St. David s Episcopal Church at SW 17th & Gage. A memorial service will be held at St. David s on December 31 at 10am. Memorial contributions can be made to the Phil Morse Scholarship through the Washburn University Foundation at 1729 SW MacVicar, Topeka, KS 66604 or to the Land Institute, 2440 E. Water Well Road, Salina, KS, 67401. Davidson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at davidsonfuneral.com.

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Published by Topeka Capital-Journal from Dec. 21 to Dec. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Morse

Not sure what to say?





Leslie Tucker Jenison

April 30, 2017

Dear Lona, Kim, & Mike,
I somehow missed the news of Phil's passing until I read the notice in the Stormont-Vail alumni newsletter. I was extremely fond of him and have so many great memories of our various adventures (sailing and skiing among them). Lona, my mother passed away from the same dreadful disease. A rare diagnosis! Please accept my deepest sympathy. Lona, I would love to catch up with you the next time I am in Topeka. xo Leslie Tucker Jenison

Steve Wallace

January 29, 2017

Dear Lona,

I was greatly saddened to just learn of Phil's passing and apologize for my delayed conveyance of heartfelt condolences. Phil soon became a highly respected friend and exemplar at Washburn, and he soon assumed that role model for countless others as his high intelligence, impeccable integrity, enviable diligence, and boundless compassion enabled a lifetime of esteemed accomplishment.

May your grief soon yield to the loving memories of your lives together.

With deepest sympathy,

Steve

Judy Haddow

January 28, 2017

Dear Lona, Steve Wallace let me know of Phil's death. I'm very sorry for your loss, and I know the past few years have been very difficult. When we wrote after Rich's death in 2012, you said Phil was declining quickly Please feel free to contact me if you need an ear. Judy Haddow [email protected]

John and Sheila McGivern

December 30, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mike.

Jim Slattery

December 30, 2016

Phil Morse was a man of great integrity and character. He lived by the Golden Rule. He treated people like he wanted to be treated and he cared deeply about his community and country. I had the deepest respect for Phil as a businessman, and community leader who took the time to be a well informed citizen. I always appreciated his thoughtful advice and counsel. I considered Phil Morse to be a good friend for nearly 40 years.
I regret that I did not have more time with Phil in the last few years. I will miss him.
My deepest sympathy to Lona , Mike, Kimberly and the entire Morse Family.
Jim Slattery

Debbie Baumgartner

December 30, 2016

Mike and Family, So very sorry to hear about the passing of our father/grandfather. Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers.

Mike Maas

December 30, 2016

I didn't know Phil well, but everytime I met him he was very nice and good for a laugh. Condolences to Mike, Kathy and the family.

Jim Parrish

December 29, 2016

Mike, Phil's passion for downtown matched his passion for life. Together, over many years, we worked for a better downtown and a stronger DTI. Never was there a notion he could not describe as an opportunity, relentlessly making his point. Often it seemed no one listened, but he kept pushing, advocating and driving home his vision -- not just for downtown, but for our entire city. He inspired me and countless others, and finally, thanks to you and those who listened, his dream is coming true. Thank you Mike and an everlasting thanks to Phil.

Anna Ortega

December 29, 2016

I am sadden to hear we have lost Phil. I have known Phil for almost 40 years as he was a City-County Planning Commissioner and his contributions and expertise to the board were above reproach. He was a great man and I pray you will find comfort in the memories you have created through the years! God Bless Phil and may he Rest in Peace.

Blake Sutton

December 28, 2016

Mike-
I am sadden to hear Phil has passed. He was always kind to me at KS Commercial. He was also very helpful in selling the buildings for my father's business. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Blake & Joan Sutton

Tom Miller

December 28, 2016

Mike - I will always remember your dad as being someone with vision. One of the great leaders of our community. May you and your family find comfort in the time you spent together and the memories you share. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

December 28, 2016

Phil was a great help to me when I was a young architect with no real estate background. He was always patient and willing to explain things I needed to know.

Jim Hunt

Karen Hiller

December 27, 2016

Family..and those close to Family - Sincerest condolences. Phil was one special guy. What a thinker, is what I remember, and someone who made needed conversation and kept it going, when others were silent. I know he has passed that legacy on to his kids, and his legacy is serving us well in this community. I, and we, mourn his loss...but we are so grateful he was part of our world.

Best regards,
Karen Hiller
long-time Central Topeka resident, with Phil
Councilwoman, City of Topeka District 1

John Federico

December 27, 2016

I always enjoyed visiting with Phil. He was a kind man. Topeka was lucky to have him.

Bob Storey

December 27, 2016

He was one of the best, Mike.

December 27, 2016

Mike: Your Dad was an outstanding individual and will greatly be missed. I enjoyed working with him over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Randy Goldsmith

Michael Eichten

December 27, 2016

Sending thoughts and prayers for the Morse family. God bless!

December 26, 2016

Lona and family... We shared the company of Phi in sailing, building our home and watching our oldest grandsons become good friends.
Now we send you our sympathy. Peace be with you.
Bob and Patsy

Mary Lou Anderson

December 24, 2016

So sorry for your loss, Lona. I used to enjoy hearing about your trips together. You and your family are in my thoughts ans prayers.

Mark & Barbara Deeter

December 23, 2016

Sorry for your loss.

Brian Klahr

December 23, 2016

Mike...sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

December 23, 2016

To All the Morse Family: Reading the many sentiments of Phil, I feel I missed out knowing a wonderful person who loved life, people and family. To boot, he loved a career that through his cultivation would create what would become Kansas Commercial and the Scott Family's good friend! I feel cheated that Mark and I never knew him, but I can still feel a hole in my heart for the loss of the kind of man he was! Blessings and prayers to you all at this time of sorrow. Elaine Scott, Scott Building, Lees Summit, MO

December 23, 2016

Mike
Our families thoughts and prayers are with your family
Gary Yager

Dave Herrman

December 23, 2016

Mike, I am sorry to see of your Dad's passing. We had the pleasure of working with your Dad thru the years. He was always enjoyable to visit with. You have had a great role model to live up to. I know he must be very proud of you as well. Sincerely, Dave Herrman

December 23, 2016

Darrell E Simnitt

December 23, 2016

I first met Phil and his family at the Lake where we were sailing on Sunday afternoons. My first impression of Phil was that he was an outstanding person and family man. The many years since then did not diminish that first impression. Ross Freeman

December 23, 2016

Mike....my deepest condolences to you and your family during this time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Scott Griffith

david gillham

December 23, 2016

Though I've been AWOL in the past few years (I reference to Phil), I'll always remember his being a class individual. In the end, that's the best each can become!
Blessings, . . and Merry Christmas!

Dave G.

December 23, 2016

Phil was a gentle man and a gentleman. His word was his bond, his kindness was his trademark and his sincerity was unquestioned,

We can be comforted by the knowledge that Phil's lessons will live. Each of us is richer for having been touched by Phil's hand.

We are saddened by his loss and that we will not be able to be with you during the celebration of his life--

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May your many friends, loved ones and prayers comfort you.

Jack Brier and Jan Provost

Don Chubb

December 22, 2016

Phil was a brave man and a great friend. May he rest in well deserved peace.

Morris Betry

December 22, 2016

Always appreciated Phil, whether it was in math classes, Junior English or riding the school bus. He will be greatly missed. May the Lord be your comfort at this time.

Ben Blair

December 22, 2016

Sometime in the mid 70's I asked Phil to come to my office at Griffith & Blair Realtors. I remember this so clearly. I told him we had a shortage of new homes and if he would start on his own and build some we would like to help market them. That was the beginning of hundreds of properties to be built and sold in an 'informal' partnership and a formal friendship that lasted all these years. The largest project was Pheasant Run Condominiums in a joint venture between Phil, Stan Metzger and me which was completed in about 1982. When Phil left the homebuilding business he began his commercial real estate career at Griffith & Blair Commercial where he stayed for years before bringing son Mike on board and and in a couple of years they moved on to their own very successful company.
Phil was the consummate gentleman and he had as good a reputation throughout his career, volunteer and business, as anyone could have. In countless discussions and transactions we never had harsh words or disagreements. Phil was a quality person who always did quality work. He left a fine and distinguished mark on the Topeka area scene.
Bless you Lona and family and thank you for taking such loving care of our friend.

Scott Hunsicker

December 22, 2016

Phil was a true gentleman and his leadership will certainly be missed . Kind regards to the family

December 22, 2016

I'm so sorry for your loss Lona. Phil was a wonderful person.
Lin Fredericksen, Topeka

Jean Bowman

December 22, 2016

Phil and I were classmates at Seaman High School. I particularly remember math classes that we were in together. He was a great math student. I enjoyed seeing him at some of our class reunions.

Jean Kline Bowman

December 22, 2016

We are sorry to learn of the passing of Phil, but grateful for his (and Lona's) service to our nation with the Peace Corps in Chile.

Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association

Bob Towslee

December 22, 2016

I have a lot of wonderful memories of Philip during our time at Seaman. I respected him very much. The world could use a few more like him.

Walt & Gladys Brandstoettner

December 22, 2016

Mike and Kathy, we are so sorry for your loss.
Blessings,
Walt & Gladys Branstoettner

Darrel and Resa Gross

December 21, 2016

Wishing you as much peace as possible during this difficult time.

With our deepest condolences,

Darrel and Resa Gross
Topeka, KS

Barb oConnor

December 21, 2016

Lona and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know it has been a hard journey for everyone. Cherish the memories. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Barb OConnor.

December 21, 2016

Lana and family. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with all during this difficult time. GOD be with you. Bobbie Sowards

Lillian Edwardson

December 21, 2016

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our family got to know yours when Diana used to ride horses for Mel. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Lillian Edwardson and Diana Persell

December 21, 2016

I am so sorry to the family for your loss. Phil and I were Rochester and Seaman graduates, with Phil's help and knowledge I was able to pass geometry. May GOD be with you at this time. DeAun Goodman

Robin Shrimplin

December 21, 2016

My deepest condolences. May God comfort you all with HIS peace and carry you through this most difficult time. I'm holding you all in my thoughts and prayers and sending you hugs and love.

Barb Rodgers

December 21, 2016

So sorry to hear of your loss. Phil was a great man. Enjoyed working with him over the years. Prayers for all of you through your time of need.
Barb Rodgers

Sara Keckeisen

December 21, 2016

Lona, I was sad to see of Phil's death in the paper today. You and your family are very much in my thoughts. Sara Keckeisen, Kansas Historical Society

Roberta (bert) Miller

December 21, 2016

To Lona and children my prayers to you all great caring family you have always won my respect as your friend and neighbor

Betsy Shrake Rohleder

December 21, 2016

Thank you Phil for all you did for Topeka! RIP. My condolences to the family.

Mark Works

December 21, 2016

So sorry. A great guy. Community leader.

LDW

December 21, 2016

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to your family for your loss. May God strengthen you and give you a measure of peace until his promise is realized. ~ Isaiah 22:24

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