Morris Courtright Jr.

Morris"Court" Courtright Jr, age 80, passed away peacefully May 29, 2010, surrounded by family, as they sang The Lord Is My Shepherd. He was born May 2, 1930 to Morris and Helen Courtright, in Saginaw, MI. Court served in the US Air Force for 21 years, retiring as a Major. His duties ranged from Photo-Radar Intelligence to Manned Spaceflight Center to computer operations for the Satellite Test Center. Upon retirement, he moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, where he pursued broadcast engineering and teaching at NAU. After a move to Yuma, Arizona, he continued his engineering career. He also began a career in politics, serving two terms in the AZ state legislature. His lifelong dream of becoming a private pilot was also realized. Continuing to move throughout Arizona, Court eventually settled in San Manuel. There, he became active in the Civil Air Patrol, among many other community involvements. Also, after attending seminary, he became a Catholic priest. He served as Arizona Wing Chaplain for the CAP. Throughout his life, he earned various degrees, including a BS, MS and PhD in electrical engineering. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, San Manuel Elks Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, National Rifle Association, Retired Officers Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and Mensa. His awards were many, including the DOD Commendation medal and the USAF Commendation medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. Court was always an active participant in whatever he was involved. He is survived by Phyllis Courtright and their eleven children: Helen Bates, Pat Blackman, Pam Gilray, Mike Courtright, Debby Miller, Elaine Ruffcorn, Eileen Emmert, Dave Courtright, Greg Courtright, Kathy Briggs, Brenda Torrence; three siblings Harry Courtright, Jim Courtright, and Shirley Spencer; 40 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. A memorial service and rosary will be held on June 17, 2010, from 6-8 pm at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, 7924 N. 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ. A memorial funeral mass will be held on June 18, 2010, at 10 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 5614 W. Orangewood Ave, Glendale, AZ. Following will be a gravesite committal service on June 18, 2010, at 12:30 pm at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ.