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 the 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 Córdova) and Michael Philip (Kathleen Brandstoettner), grandchildren Robert Benjamin and John Philip Córdova, 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 17th & Gage. A memorial service will be held at St. David’s on December 31 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Phil Morse Scholarship through the Washburn University Foundation at 1729 SW McVicar, 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.