Philip Lamont Morgan

Philip L. Morgan, age 92, passed away early Friday morning, January 22, 2021 at his residence in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born on December 28, 1928 to the late Harry and Esther Morgan in Leavittsburg, Ohio. Philip married the love of his life Dorothy Marie (Franklin) on April 10, 1948. She was at his side when he passed.

Philip began a long and distinguished police career as a military policeman in the US Army. He was honorably discharged on July 21, 1947. He retired as a police commander, a major for the Department of Public Safety on July 1, 1977. After working at several steel mills in Ohio and Michigan and playing baseball in the industrial league of Ohio he moved his family to Phoenix, AZ. Philip joined the Phoenix Police Dept. on March 4, 1957. He earned his sergeant stripes in July of 1961 and a stellar reputation as a cop’s cop. While a patrolman he fondly recalled delivering on several occasions a baby in emergency circumstances. In August of 1966 he was appointed Captain of the Arizona State Narcotics Enforcement Div. which at that time was part of Liquor Control. He successfully reorganized the division and returned to the Phoenix Police Dept. in February 1967. On July 1, 1967 after narcotics enforcement was moved to the Attorney General’s office Philip was appointed Captain of the new agency. He was directly responsible for developing enforcement techniques for narcotics investigations that today are standard procedure. He was particularly proud of his role in establishing the State Crime Lab in 1967. The Dept. of Public Safety was established on July 1, 1969 and Philip was appointed Captain of the State Narcotics Division. Special assignments included the reorganization of the Casa Grande Police Dept. in 1973, investigations of the riots and murders of two prison guards at the State Prison in late 1973, and investigating corruption at the Tucson Police Dept. Twice he received a citation from the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency for their highest Administrative Award for “having achieved national recognition, for your significant personal efforts to help eliminate drug abuse”. The narcotic training program he instituted at the Dept. of Public Safety was also nationally recognized. He retired a major assigned, at his request, to the Central Highway Patrol Div. on July 1, 1977. While assigned to the Patrol Div. Philip took great pride in salvaging the motorcycle division that was to be eliminated. Philip was very proud of his role in obtaining a yearly COLA for officers and a “buy back” bill. He was one of that rare breed who was both a leader of men yet adored and respected by those under his command. He was and is one of the most respected lawmen ever to have served in Arizona. After retiring he was the regional security director for Marriott’s Camelback Inn and Mountain Shadows Resort. In 1987 he retired from Marriott’s Corp. and became a private investigator, becoming a much sought-after expert witness on security issues.

Philip Morgan was a man of many talents; an expert marksman, a baseball player, a superb singer, and one who was adept at working with his hands, be it with wood, leather, metal or other medium. His creations such as peace pipes, hatchets, cannon replicas, etc. are exemplary. He was admired and respected by his peers and friends, loved by his family, and successful in his career. His was a life well lived. His family all love him deeply and treasure his memory. Philip is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy who he was married to for nearly 73 wonderful years. He is also survived by five children, Eddie L. Morgan (Nancy), Janis M. Coppock (John), Danny P. Morgan (Zita), Patti A. Felkins, and Vicki L. Szczepkowski (Scott), 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren and of course the rest of his extended family and friends.

Services were held on February 2, 2021 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Donations in Phillip's honor may be made to Hospice of the Valley.