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Wendall Phillips Obituary
Wendall A. Phillips, 88, of Bethlehem, PA, died Wednesday, September 26, 2012. He was the husband of Frances (Fradenburgh) Phillips, to whom he was married 64 years. He was the son of the late Arthur E. and Elizabeth (Reynolds) Phillips. Wendall is a graduate of Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY. After moving to the Lehigh Valley from the Harrisburg, PA area in 1968, he worked in various capacities including management, sales and financial departments. In 1991, he was elected Commander of the WWII, National China- Burma- India Veterans Association. Later, he served as chaplain of the CBI. During WWII, he was a corporal in the Army Air Corps. In the Camp Hill, PA area, he was a 60 year member of the Lowther Manor Masonic Lodge #781, F.&A.M. Also in the same area, he was an active member of the Barbershop Quartet Society.
Survivors: Wife, Fran F., sons Mark W. and Eric G. and his wife Nancy G. daughter, Karen F., brother, Donald R. and two grandsons.
Services: 11:00 AM, Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at Trexler Funeral Home, 1625 Highland St., Allentown, PA. Calling 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow with military honors at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville,PA. www.trexlerfuneralhome.com
Contributions in memory of Wendall can be made to St. Luke's Hospice, 801 Ostrum St., Bethlehem, PA 18015 or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wendall Phillips
Bei Ming
September 23, 2024
Dear Wendael, I have thought of you often over the years. The values of American orthodoxy that you embodied and the spiritual legacy that your generation left behind have become more and more important over the years and are the foundation for the longevity of this great nation. I, and my friends who realize this, will try to follow it and keep it. Rest in peace. We will love you and miss you always.
Bei Ming
September 28, 2022
Bei Ming
September 28, 2022
Bei Ming
September 28, 2022
Bei Ming
September 28, 2022
Bei Ming
September 28, 2022
During these special years, I have learned more about the traditional values you uphold and the meaning of your existence. You are my role model. I will always miss you, your wife and your contribution to the cause of freedom in China during World War II.
Robert Calder
October 3, 2012
Dear Fran and family,
My deepest sympathy at your loss. Wendall was such a significant part of my life when I first came to Allentown. His friendship in the Mack Chorus, his attempt to start a barbershop chorus in Allentown, his recommendation of me to Fran regarding a part at CLT all are fond memories. I will never forget seeing his special banjos, and hearing that amazing bass voice on such songs as "Lily of the Valley." He will be remembered by many, many people. He was one of the special ones.
October 3, 2012
Dear Fran, our sincerest sympathies to you and your family. Ash wanted me to remind you of the time he interviewed Wendall for a school project and received an "A+". Actually, Ash received more than a grade, he learned first-hand the story of an American patriot. Again, our deepest sympathies,
Diane Abouzari and family
October 1, 2012
Condolances to Fran and family from Marguerite Ruhf, wife of Bob Ruhf, a fellow C.B.I. veteran who was a weather officer for the pilots flying the "HUMP". We have been honored to have been in the company of such a remarkable man who put others ahead of himself.
Don Duckworth
October 1, 2012
Good bye to a great American.
When he retired from the draft board he asked me for permission to submit my name to take his place. I am still serving. We always talked about WW2 aircraft and service to our country. I called him recently to tell him I took a picture of an aircraft he jumped from. A true American will be missed by many.
Kristen Hildenbrandt
October 1, 2012
Fran and family,
My husband, Keith, and I both had the pleasure of working with Wendall at Scott Chevrolet for many years. He truly enriched our lives and countless others. He will be greatly missed.
Sharon Fritchman
October 1, 2012
Wendall will be missed by all whose lives he touched. He was a wonderful example for us all. I am so happy and feel honored that I got the chance to get to know him. My entire family loved him and looked up to him.
Sandy Diacogiannis
October 1, 2012
Dear Fran & Family: Wendall was the ultimate patriot, and I always enjoyed hearing his stories because they were so amazing! I will not be able to attend his services, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sandy Diacogiannis
Enyang Guo
September 30, 2012
Dear Fran and family, it is hard to think that Wendall has left and he is my fatherly friend. He made this world different and his legacy led us to be a better man. We will always remember him.
Flower to Wendall from Mainland China Sep 28.2012
Ming Bei
September 30, 2012
Wendall tell story of CBI theater to younger0 generation. Dec 31 2011
Ming Bei
September 30, 2012
When he was young.
Ming Bei
September 30, 2012
Wendall at Service, Sep,4 2005 DC
Ming Bei
September 30, 2012
Recall at an interview. Aug.2 2012
Ming Bei
September 30, 2012
Tribute from China Aug.2 2012
Ming Bei
September 30, 2012
Wendall with his Chinese Friends.Aug 2,2008
Ming Bei
September 30, 2012
Wendall at his home. Aug.2,2008
Ming Bei
September 30, 2012
Joyce Egge-Stein
September 30, 2012
Had the privilege to work with Wendall at Whitehall Township. He was a kind and thoughtful man. May memories of him make your grieving easier.
Commemorate Wendall Phillips.From Chongqing
Bei Ming
September 30, 2012
I've got some messages, kind thoughts, and photos to commemorate Wendall. Most of the messages are from Mainland China. I didn't think I should keep these in my own inbox, so I translated and copy them there. They couldn't come to the memorial service or log on this web, but their hearts are there. Bei Ming
=======================
On 26 September 2012 17:01, mjlsh(Author)wrote:
My deepest sympathies.
From Netherlands
======================
2012/9/27 zhen liu(Web Magazine Editor) wrote:
I extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Wendall Phillips, our American anti-Japanese veteran. We extend our deepest condolences to all those American anti-Japanese veterans who sacrificed their youths and young spirits to the efforts. I pray that their place in heaven is filled with glory and eternal peace.
From Zhengzhou City, Mainland China
======================
2012/9/27 You Ke (Newspaper Editor)wrote:
I pray that this savior of China and hero rests in peace.
From Guangzhou City, Mainland China
====================================
2012/9/27 Wang Kang(Scholar and Director of Chongqing War-Capital Culture Reasearch Center) Wrote:
My greatest regret to mourn the loss of our savior, hero, and role model--the American who helped the Chinese against the Japanese: Wendall Phillips.
From War-capital Chongqing, Mainland China
====================
2012/9/27 jianyi yue (Editor and Photographer) Wrote
He buttressed justice in this world, He sacrificed the his youth.
But in his love for China, he soul lives on forever.
Yue JianYi, From Beijing, Mainland China
On 28 September 2012 13:31, LiuYin (Retired Worker and Human Rights Activist) wrote:
Dedicated to Wedall A. Phillis (See Attachement)
To a memorable friends Wedall A. Phillis and heartfelt thanks to him to help the people of China. He didn't leave, he is come in more Chinese people's heart.
From Guangzhou, Mainland China
==========================
2012/9/30 Zhang, Haixing (Business Owners) wrote:
My greatest regret to mourn the Loss hero of the world and savior of China, Wendall Phillips
From War-capital Chongqing, Mainland China
Denise Reitz
September 30, 2012
My prayers and thoughts go out to the Phillips family. Wendall was a very sweet and wonderfull man. I will miss him very much. Wendall is at peace. My deepest sympathy.
Zehao Zhou (ZZ)
September 30, 2012
Fran and family, I am so sorry to learn Wendall's passing. I thought God had made arrangement for him to be the last CBI veteran standing so that he could see off all his comrades as the national chaplain of CBI.
This past summer, I took a special trip to Shanghai YMCA and took picture of this place where Wendall was held as a POW. I am glad I was able to send him the picture but how I wished I could take him to that site and tell all residents of Shanghai how this man sacrificed himself for the freedom of the Chinese people.
Wendall was more than another CBI friend of mine. To me, he was a super hero, a patriot, a gentleman, and man of incredible virtues, courage, conviction, compassion, and, above, love and faith.
Wendall helped make the world a far better place than it was when he found it. We owe it to Wendall to keep up the democracy and freedom that he helped build, cherished, and protected with his sweat, blood, youth, and in fact, his entire life.
Wendall led an exemplary life and will always be remembered not only by his family and friends, but also by tens of millions of Chinese now and forever who will forever owe him the deepest of their gratitude. Rest in peace, Wendall. I am proud to have known you and will always miss your kindness, gentleness, laughter, and smiles.
Bill Huber
September 30, 2012
Eric:
With conversation and seeing the video you gave me, there is no doubt your Dad was a very special person. They do not make them like that anymore. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Our Dear Lord just welcomed another hero. May God Bless.
Ming Bei
September 30, 2012
Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences.On the picture,The flag was Wendall send us as his gift at july 4th this year.The flowers are picked up in our front yard.They are now on our deck for the soul of Wendall to pay our remembrance and respect.
Bei Ming and Zheng Yi (Forgive me my poor English. )Sep. 26, 2012
Lisa Bartholomew
September 30, 2012
Fran and family,I am so sorry for your loss.I met Wendall and his family when I started to work at Traditions and he made you feel like you were part of a family,I will miss him alot,I thought of him and Fran as part of my family,I will miss seeing him around tradions,he was always smiling even when he was sick and didn't feel well.I will miss you dearly my friend.
Nicole Eckrote
September 29, 2012
Fran and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I miss seeing Wendall, just isn't the same without him, he always had that great smile of his, and a wonderful sense of humor, no matter how bad a day I was having he would always make me smile. I always admired his patriotism, and the pride he had for his country, and what he went through to defend it, for that Wendall, I Thank You. Wendall was a hero, and I feel honored to have known him. Fran and family God Bless you all, if there is anything I could ever do to be of help, just know I'm there for you all, you are all in my prayers.
Melody Elgesem
September 29, 2012
It was a great honor for me that Wendall was part of my life. I was lucky enough to marry Wendall's grandson, Rob, and therefore, was lucky enough to call Wendall my grandpa. I have never met a more kind man and patriotic person! He had accomplished so much in one lifetime. He always made me feel welcomed and always thought of others before himself! I am so glad that grandpa touched my life and has helped me see the kind of person I want to be. I will take all of the kindness he showed me and pay it forward! My thoughts are with Grandma and the rest of the family. With love & respect,
Robert Elgesem
September 29, 2012
It is hard to describe how much grandpa meant to me. He was larger than life, like what a superhero should be. I looked to him as inspiration on how to become a great man. I have always been so proud to be his grandson. I love you grandpa. I am sure you will be looking in on me from time to time, so I hope you will be as proud of me as I always was of you.
Lee Zitzer
September 29, 2012
I had a chance to hear Wendalls story from his time in the service during WWII. He quickly became a great friend to me. Wendall gave me advice on my upcoming enlistment. Wendall, I salute you. You will be missed and thought of often.
September 29, 2012
POP,
we will miss you always, you will always be here with us in thought and prayer. godbless you pop :) love, ERIC - NACY PHILLIPS
Erin
September 29, 2012
What can i say about wendall but he was one of those guys you wanted to know. I am glad i met him while working at traditions of hanover. I am not sure who adopted who but i started calling him pop and he calls me his adopted daughter. He told me he didn't know why I came and visited him every week after i found a new job. I knew he knew why i visited because I became part of this family and thats what family does and not once did i not feel like part of this family. I will miss you pop but now instead of me watching over him, he is watching over me. RIP pop
September 29, 2012
Fran, you and Wendell were one of the first people to welcome me when I started working at Traditions 5 years ago. He was always very kind to me and my children. He was the most patriotic person I ever met, a truly proud american. I will never forget him. God bless you and your family. Lisa Hill
Gregg Borman
September 29, 2012
Dear Mrs. Phillips and Family,
I met Wendall when my father had passed away. My dad was a fellow CBI vet and made the grave markers for those CBI Vets who had passed on. Wendall made sure each vet received one.
Wendall presided over my Dad's service and later attended my son's commisioning as a 2ndLT in the USMC in a way representing my father. I last seen Wendall a couple years ago when I gave him the remaining stock of markers that I had hand painted in rememberance of my Dad.
Wendall was truly a remarkable person who contributed so much to so many. He was loved by all and we lost a great man with his passing. As another writer stated-Heaven has another angel.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Ginny George
September 29, 2012
Dear Fran & family,
Bud and I want to send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. It is with deepest regret that we will not be able to attend Wendall's funeral, but our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
September 29, 2012
Fran and All Traditions Of Hanover, We have lost a very special man but we all have wonderful memories of all that he did for others. All Keep your memories as they can never be taken away. Wendall's Life was remarkable. RIP Wendall.Will remeber you all in my prayers and thoughts
Regards,
Jeanine
Bernice Poniktera
September 29, 2012
Fran and Family,
When I first met Wendall, my family and I were taking a tour of Traditions and he welcomed us with open arms and made my choice to live here easier. I will miss his red suspenders and him calling me Papillon. Though he is gone he will never be forgotten. He will me greatly missed by all.
Bernice and Family
Steve Savage
September 29, 2012
Wendall was at first to me a hero, then always a great friend. His wit and his smile was always there for everyone.
God bless him and his family.
Rest in Peace, General.
I will miss you.
terri wentz
September 29, 2012
Dear Fran,
As this candle remains lit, so will Wendall's spirit. He has made his mark to all who knew him. A Wonderful man, strong, caring, Patriotic. I will miss him at traditions. He surely was much loved by all who knew him. Blessings to you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Sue Fahy
September 29, 2012
Wendall, you were the face of those living at Traditions of Hanover and I will so miss seeing you when I visit my mother. Heaven has another angel!!
September 29, 2012
Dear Mrs. Phillips and Family,
Wendall was truly a remarkable person who contributed so much to so many. He always gave with his heart and loved life. We will all miss him, but will never forget him.
Terry Rehrig, Service Officer
VFW Post 12099
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