A former administrator and clinician who dedicated more than three decades to helping students and families at West Virginia University, Philip Comer died at his home surrounded by family on Jan. 18 at the age of 91.
Comer, a Wheeling native, graduated from Linsly Military Institute in 1950. He then attended WVU on a wrestling scholarship. Here, he met his wife of more than 65 years, Nancy.
After earning his undergraduate degree, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army at Fort Rucker in Alabama, Fort Knox in Kentucky and at Gary Air Force Base in Texas.
He then moved back to Morgantown to continue his education, earning a doctorate degree in psychology.
He began his career at WVU in 1969, and soon after that he and James Carruth began laying the foundation for the WVU Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, where Comer went on to serve as the director and as a clinical psychologist.
During his time at the Carruth Center, he and his family hosted numerous get togethers at their home for students and staff. The Comer residence became a warm and welcoming home-away-from-home for many students who had the opportunity to enjoy backyard picnics, volleyball games and an annual Crab Feast.
Throughout his professional career, he authored and created several publications and presentations, most notably his address to thousands of parents attending WVU New Student Orientation titled "Parents Experience of College.”
Upon Comer’s retirement in 1997, he was awarded Professor Emeritus of Psychology. He was also honored by the Department of Psychology through the establishment of the Philip E. Comer Graduate Teaching Award.
He was an inaugural inductee into the Student Life Hall of Fame, awarded Most Loyal Faculty Mountaineer, and named Professor of the Year by the state of West Virginia, among many other awards and honors.
Comer is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Brian Hoover, both employees of WVU, and two grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife and daughter.
Friends and family will be received from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 31) at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 503 North High Street, Morgantown.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Honors College, through the WVU Foundation, to support students.