Donald D. Morey, Sr., 85, of Smethport, passed away Tuesday (August 20, 2024) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.

He was born February 23, 1939 in Coudersport, the son of Albert and Grace (Davey) Morey. On March 28, 1964, in Austin, PA, he married Patricia J. Neely, who died February 26, 2008.

Don graduated from Coudersport High School in 1958. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and went in to the U.S. War College at Carlisle, PA.

He served actively in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1961. He was in the Army Reserves from 1961 to 1964. He was honorably discharged as a SP4.

Don was a PA State Trooper from 1963 to 1985. He last worked as a Criminal Investigator Fire Marshall as a trooper.  He then was elected as the McKean County Sheriff in 1985, holding that position until 2005. He continued as a Deputy Sheriff from 2006 to 2008.  He proudly served his country, state and county for 50 plus years.  He was the longest serving Sheriff in McKean County history.

He was a member of the PA State Troopers Assoc., the National Troopers Coalition, PA Sheriff’s Assoc., Seneca Law Enforcement Agency, Life Member, Past Exalted Ruler and former Secretary of the Kane Elks Lodge #329, American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport, Mt. Jewett Sportsmen’s Club, Keating Sportsmen’s Assoc., and NRA. He loved hunting, bowling, going to the Casino, snowmobiling, card games, and going to car shows with his brother, Ronnie, and showing his 1953 Pontiac. 

He was a former member of the National Sheriff’s Assoc., F.O.P. Lodge #61, First Presbyterian Church of Kane, and Smethport Rotary Club.

Don was very proud of his children, their families and accomplishments. He loved going to all of his grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities, never missing any of them.

He is survived by:

One daughter: Kimberley (Dan) Woods of Smethport

One son: Dean (Tara) Morey of Smethport

Three grandchildren: Megan (Craig) Dean, Kayla (Bryan) Nelson, and Derek (Alyssa) Morey

Two great grandchildren: Daniel Everett and Rae Marie Nelson

Two brothers: William Morey of Galeton, PA and Ronald (Joanne) Morey of Coudersport

And many nieces and nephews

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by two sisters, Donna Potocek and Frances Swanger; and three brothers, Owen, Robert and Charles Morey.

There will be no visitation or services at this time. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Sweden Hill Cemetery, Potter County.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.