Morris “Court” Courtright, PhD, 80, passed away May 29th, 2010, was born in Saginaw, Michigan. He is survived by Phyllis Courtright and their eleven children: Helen Bates, Pat (Gary) Blackman, Pam (Carl) Gilray, Michael (Dorothy) Courtright, Debby (Dennis) Miller, Elaine (Brad) Ruffcorn, Eileen (Steve) Emmert, David (Michelle) Courtright, Greg (Rachel) Courtright, Kathy (Bob) Briggs, Brenda (Tom) Torrence; two brothers Harry and Jim Courtright, a sister Shirley Spencer; 40 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Court was a retired Air Force officer, a Manned Spaceflight pioneer, and a Catholic priest. His Air Force career included tours in Japan and Korea, earning a BS (EE) at University of Colorado, serving as Network Controller for the early manned spaceflight programs Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. He completed his career as Chief of Computer Operations for the worldwide satellite tracking and data gathering network.
His awards included the DOD Commendation medal and the USAF Commendation medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Distinguished Unit Citation; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Medal with bronze star; Air Force longevity with silver oak leaf; Reserve Forces Medal; NCO Academy Ribbon; Marksman Medal; and Missileman badge.
Court completed a second career as a consulting electrical engineer designing maintaining and operating radio stations throughout the Southwest, designing electrical systems for schools, hospitals, commercial buildings, street lighting, freeway lighting and airport lighting. He was an adjunct professor at Northern Arizona University, served as an instructor at Gateway Community College, and was Business Department Chairman at Xavier College Preparatory School. He received his MS/ (EE) and Ph.D. from Columbia Pacific University. Court served two terms in the Arizona State Legislature, where, among other things, he was able to have the sales tax taken off food, which is still in effect today. Ordained a nondenominational minister in Sept 2003, he then attended Agape Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, received his Master of Divinity and was ordained a Catholic priest January 2006. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and State Deputy (1986-87). Court received his pilot’s license in 1978 and also was a Ham operator (KC7RDZ).
Court moved to San Manuel, Arizona, in 1997. Because of his interest in flying and being a pilot, he liked the small town and the close proximity to an airport. San Manuel pilots were working hard to get the airport improved in order to bring interest to the town. Court had a good friend at ADOT in Phoenix. They got their “know-how” together and moved the San Manuel Airport toward what it is today. He formed the San Manuel Economic Development Corporation with the hopes and dreams for San Manuel to grow and prosper. He was a member of the San Manuel Elks Lodge #2007, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, National Rifle Association, Retired Officers Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and a lifetime member of Mensa. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol (Air Force Auxiliary) since 1949 and held many responsible positions in that National Search and Rescue Organization. He also served as the Arizona Wing Chaplain for the Civil Air Patrol for the past 4 years. He had many friends, and he will certainly be missed.
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