Bernard Patrick Morley, 76, of North Vernon, passed away at 6:25 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at The Willows in Greensburg.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Four Corners. Rev. Jerry Byrd will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Joseph's Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral and Cremation Service.

Born January 30, 1948, in Indianapolis, Patrick was the loving son of the late Bernard Patrick and Ida Marie (Beck) Morley. He was united in marriage to Mary Kay Riley on October 20, 1981. She survives.

Patrick served his country proudly from February 13, 1967 to February 9, 1971 in the United States Air Force rising to the rank of SSGT, during this time he had worked in the Air Force Orientation Group. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He was the general manager while working at the Plain Dealer and Sun where he oversaw the commercial printing division. Patrick's artistic talent was seen not only in Jennings County but as far away as Boston on items printed by his division. Each year he volunteered his efforts designing the Jennings County Community Foundation's Gala artwork. Other organizations and businesses also benefitted from his talents. On occasion he would donate pieces of his artwork to local groups such as Ducks Unlimited for fundraisers, the National Wildlife Federation, the Department of Natural Resources and the Fish and Wildlife Division. One of his most famous works hung in the Commonwealth of Virginia's Fish and Wildlife Division offices. His artwork was always the most sought-after auction item. Patrick was a manager who pushed his employees to strive for excellence while at the same time teaching them his own brand of humor. His compassion toward his employees and their families will stay with them forever. Patrick is a nationally recognized wildlife artist, having his work displayed at such illustrious locales as the Pacific Design Center, the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, the Smithsonian and the Beverly Hills Art League. Over the years he has been requested to submit pieces that supported the Langley Air Force Base Chief of Staff visual aids during morning briefings for the President. While at Langley Air Force Base Patrick was a command illustrator. His artwork has been displayed at the Pentagon, Canadian Expo and he also has credits for a project he competed with at the Cannes Film Festival entitled "History of Flight." His diversity as an artist has allowed him to do conceptual drawings of the F-15 fighter aircraft during the experimental stage. When the United States was attacked on September 11, 2001, Patrick put his brush to a canvas and created a painting that became internationally recognized. His work of an American Eagle with the Twin Towers and Pentagon ablaze reflected in its eyes became a symbol of the heartbreaking loss of US lives and of the true American spirit. He also donated all the proceeds from the sale of the artwork to either the military or to education.

In addition to his wife, Mary Kay Morley of North Vernon, He will be missed by his sons, Joseph (Lynn) Morley of Sun Praire, WI, Tim (Ani) Morley of Commiskey, Daniel (Casey) Morley of Moffat, CO, Bernard Patrick Morley of Indianapolis; brother, Michael (Sharon) Morley of Venice, FL; sisters, Kathleen (Bruce) Bade, and Noreen Faulkenberg of Scottsburg; grandchildren, Soleil Rain Decker-Morley, Emmalyn and Deegan Morley.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Ida Morley.

Memorials may be made through the funeral home to St. Mary's School or Boys Town.