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Philip Erdle Obituary
Brigadier General Philip J. Erdle, USAF (Ret) passed away unexpectedly Saturday evening at a Colorado Springs hospital at the age of 82. General Erdle was a career Air Force officer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist establishing foundations for the benefit of the United States Air Force Academy, his church, and numerous other concerns. In addition, General Erdle's business creativity has resulted in ongoing opportunities for many in both our local and national communities.
General Erdle was a native of Bethlehem, PA, and earned a bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Military Academy. He married Bucknell graduate Carolyn Mary Knies upon his graduation and immediately entered the fledgling U.S. Air Force. General Erdle was a command pilot, flying dozens of aircraft throughout his Air Force career, most notably the F-84, F-100, and T-33. After several years in the cockpit, he earned a master's degree from the University of Michigan, and eventually his doctorate from the University of Colorado.
General Erdle was among the first academic cadre instructors when the U.S. Air Force Academy opened its doors at its permanent location in Colorado Springs. He spent the remainder of his military career at the Academy, retiring in 1979. General Erdle's career at the Academy was truly remarkable. He was the youngest colonel in the Air Force when he was appointed the Academy's 13th Permanent Professor. He served as the Permanent Professor of Engineering Sciences (1964-1965), and subsequently as the Permanent Professor for the newly designated Department of Engineering Mechanics (1965-1973). He also served as the 6th Vice Dean of the Faculty (1973-1979).
Following his retirement from the Air Force, General Erdle worked for the Bechtel Corporation, establishing an educational system in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, for the Bechtel operation there, where he managed numerous educational contracts that helped transform the educational system of the Kingdom. Upon returning to Colorado, he founded the International Education Foundation, mentoring small, minority owned businesses in a first-of-its-kind business incubator in Colorado Springs. In 1984, General Erdle co-founded the Academy Research and Development Institute (ARDI), establishing and managing endowed professorial chairs for the Air Force Academy, subsequently serving as the ARDI President and CEO.
General Erdle and ARDI have been major supporters of both the Dean of Faculty and Air Force Academy missions for more than a quarter of a century. In recognition of his contributions, General Erdle was named an honorary member of the USAFA Association of Graduates and is also a recipient of the Superintendent's Award for Distinguished Service to the United States Air Force and the Air Force Academy. In 2002, the Philip J. Erdle Chair in Engineering Science was designated in his honor, and he also holds the title of Permanent Professor Emeritus.
Funeral services will be held at the Air Force Academy Cadet Catholic Chapel on Monday, 3 June, at 10 AM, with military honors burial at the Academy cemetery and reception to follow at Doolittle Hall. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Carolyn Knies; five children, Patti (Don) MacIver,
Col. (Ret) Mick (Tamara) Erdle, Ann Erdle, Terry (Nicki) Erdle, and Marti (Dan) Longo; fifteen grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. For those desiring to express their personal condolences they may be forwarded to his wife at: Mrs. Carolyn Erdle, 3810 Camels View, Colorado Springs, CO 80904.
In lieu of flowers or a memorial fund, the family requests donations be sent to:
The Philip J. Erdle Chair in Engineering Science, The Academy Research & Development Institute, 1490 Garden of the Gods Road, Suite A, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Erdle
Ravi Rao
June 27, 2021
I am so very disappointed in myself - Phil was the most impactful person in my life's trajectory. I should have reached out to Phil sooner, to say thank you. I first met Phil in Jubail. He sat across my desk in a single wide trailer in Camp 7, (I was with British Airways/ITA travel), and told me that I was wasting my talents and career and that I should go get my Master's in Business and further my credentials. He not only gave me the advise and inspiration, but also took a personal interest in making sure I got accepted into a university in the US. I would never have dreamed of the option at the time. He wrote reference letters and encouraged me with great zest, generosity and kindness but with clarity of purpose that only Phil in his inimitable character filled with charity and strength could have imbibed in me. Without his guidance and support, I would not be where I am today. Now that I am older and hopefully wiser, and have learned the lessons of procrastination, with great regret - I cannot but think that the one single purpose I should focus the rest of my life will be to seek out and give gratitude to all those who helped me along the way. Carolyn, I do appreciate your kind and generous time when I visited Col Springs and you gave me a tour of the Academy and Pike's Peak, and the next year a tour of Universal Studios! I have pictures from that visit and will share if I can. In the meantime, to the Erdle family, after reading the many posts here you know Phil and Carolyn are special people, and you are so very lucky to have such great people as parents - they truly embody American greatness, and give humanity a shining hope, and great examples especially in today's social and political climate. I have tried very hard to emulate Phil's legacy of mentoring and guiding anyone I find deserving or who would seek it, and am honored to have known Phil and Carolyn. I truly am the lucky one. I would love to hear from the family. https://www.linkedin.com/in/meridiangeneral/
Ellen Georgi
July 10, 2013
I knew Phil in Jubail Saudi Arabia. He was a great mentor to my husband, Karl
Christine Marcus
June 29, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Craig Peebles
June 29, 2013
Carolyn,
Phil gave me a great opportunity to join his team in Training and Education in Jubail. It changed my life. You both were so supportive. I could never repay you for your kindness. I remember Phil as being so strong and commanding. He was a leader.
SuLan and I wish you comfort at this time. I am sure your family will be there for you.
Ernie Woollard
June 11, 2013
Pam, me, our girls, my brother, and Dad, send our deepest sympathies to Carolyn, Mick and Tamara, and the entire Erdle Family. Mick is my good friend and 1976 Academy classmate; his dad was a superb mentor, confidant, and friend. The Erdle Home was my home away from home...our entire family has tremendous memories of the Erdle Family kindness and hospitality. To General Phil Erdle, our deepest gratitude...Rest well, Sir...ERN'76
Robin Wohnsigl
June 8, 2013
Stefi and I have such fond memories of our DFEM days. Phil Erdle created a culture that made all of us feel like family. He was a great leader and the best boss I ever had. Our condolences to the entire Erdle family.
June 6, 2013
Phil Erdle was my friend, my former boss, and my mentor. Grace and I will miss him dearly. His sense of humor was the best.
We love all the Erdles. You are like family to us.
Allan and Grace McArtor
Virginia
Mike and Kathy Seidl
June 3, 2013
We offer our deepest sympathy and prayers to Carolyn and to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Phil Erdle was indeed a great man, not only for his own remarkable achievements and life, but perhaps more importantly, for the achievement and success he so generously nurtured among all of us who were fortunate enough to have known and loved him.
Tim and Dineen (Conboy) Hass
June 3, 2013
There wasn't a Sunday went by at the AFA when we did not see the Erdles file in to church. Dedication to GOD, duty, family were the memories I have of a giant of inspiration. Knowing each of the children, almost one per Conboy, gave my brothers and sisters the knowledge of his legacy of integrity and work ethic of excellence. General Erdle your legacy lives on and your good "works" are not done. I thank GOD above for such inspirationals. I grieve with your sweet family for their loss. May GOD bless you during this time.
Anna Santistevan
June 3, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss.
Robyn Shaw
June 3, 2013
Carolyn & Family,
I would like to offer my condolences to you. Phil was a great man and I am glad to have known him. I will always remember him as full of energy and laughter. May you find peace and comfort in the memories you hold in your heart.
Dave & Sharon Cruz
June 2, 2013
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss.. our thoughts are with the you and yours during this difficult time.
Arlene Van Woert
June 2, 2013
Dear Carolyn and Family, I am saddened to hear of Phil's passing. He was a remarkable person. My late husband,Bob, held Phil in high regard as a friend and as the leader of Training and Education, Jubail, KSA. While Bob was single status he wrote home of Erdle-led field trips to build the TRED Mill on Abu Ali island. He also referred to many intense cribbage games with Phil.
You both hold a place in my retrospective of the Jubail experience. There are many positive memories of you and the special people who shared Expat life in that unique place. It was a privilege to be included in the Bechtel TRED family. You were so welcoming when I met you and Phil in Athens, Greece, on my first journey to the ‘magic kingdom'. Although you returned stateside shortly after I arrived, Phil's subsequent visits to Jubail were memorable. To this day I savor the memory of Phil coming to dinner at our Camp 9 house carrying the best ever hostess gift ... a package of bacon! And, of course, dinner was followed by a round-robin cribbage match.
Hold fast to your treasured memories,
Janene Luna
June 1, 2013
My heart is saddened by the loss of my mentor and a special man who has left an imprint on my families hearts. He has been a living example of a man of character, a genius in the purest sense, but so tender, so caring and, an inspiration to me and my entire family. Thank you Phil for the opportunity to share my ideas, for your contagious enthusiasm, for your generosity and trusting in me, but most of all, your love, guidance and friendship over the last 10 years. You will truly be missed.
To Carolyn, Mick, Patti and the entire Erdle family, I send my deepest condolence and pray that God will comfort you during this time.
Kathleen Brady
June 1, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let me know if you need anything.
Sharon Swint
June 1, 2013
Carolyn-somehow I never thought this day would come! General Erdle was responsible for Dave ever coming to the AFA. The direction of our family life was changed forevermore. You both were always there. AFA meant THE ERDLES to us. What wonderful examples you two were to everyone of a life well lived. We will forever miss, Phil. With love, Sharon
TED & LOUISE SIMPSON
May 31, 2013
WE CAN'T BE THERE....
BUT WE WILL BE THERE
Christine Valdez
May 31, 2013
Phil, there are no words to express the sadness I am feeling as I write these words to the "Special Person" in my life. You were like a father to me, my mentor and business partner. I would not be where I am today without your trust and confidence you had in me.
Thank you for all you have done for me. We shared many special times during the 17 years of knowing you and I will always cherish those memories. I know you entered the gates of heaven. I will miss you so much. My deepest sympathy to Carolyn, Mick, Patti and the rest of the Erdle family. May God Bless you and give you comfort. My prayers are with you.
Terry and Karen Newton
May 31, 2013
What a legacy and example of selflessness General Erdle has provided for all of us. Mick and family, your father was a great man and will be dearly missed. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Joe Morgan, USAFA '59
May 31, 2013
I remember Gen. Erdle well from Cadet days, and from DFEM when he brought me back as an instructor. Karen and I enjoyed and greatly benefited from Phil and Carolyn's guidance and example.
JOHN - KATHY WILLIAMS
May 31, 2013
WORDS CAN NOT DESCRIBE HOW MUCH PHIL AND CAROLYN MEANT TO US. HOW WE HOLD DEAR THE MANY, HAPPY, MEMORIES WE HAVE TOGETHER OF THEM FOREVER DEAR IN OUR HEARTS.. LOVE, KATHY AND JOHN WILLIAMS
JOANNE DIEFENDERFER
May 31, 2013
CAROLYN- MY SINCERE SYMPATHY- MY FONDEST MEMORY OF BEING WITH YOU AND PHIL AT THE REUNION- GOD BLESS
Mike Snover
May 31, 2013
I have many fond memories of Phil and family growing up across the street from them. He would take time to play with us kids and even skateboarded with us. I still live across the street from where they used to live and thought about you often. Phil was one of the nicest people I have ever met and truly a great man.
May 30, 2013
General Erdle was my boss when I was teaching at the USAF Academy from 1971-75. I will always be grateful for the trust and support he gave me in making me a Course Director in his Engineering Mechanics Department. He was one of the finest officers I ever worked for and with in my 28-year Air Force career. .M,y condolences to his wife and family.
Randall Schamberger
USAF Academy Class 1962
Peggie Jones
May 30, 2013
Carolyn, I love you and cherish every memory of times spent with you and Phil. He was always an encouragement to me especially when I'd call for help at particularly stressful times. He helped me so much when Harvey was ill last year and many years ago when I was seeking employment, he wrote a reference letter that assured a job for me. I won't try to list every occasion but will just say he was available (with words or deeds) whenever a need arose. Thanks for your friendship over the years. May God's abundant blessings keep you close to Himself and secure in His love. Much love to you.
Rich Fullerton
May 30, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Erdle family. Brigadier General Erdle was an extraordinary officer, professor, and gentleman. What a great friend of the Academy, too -- he inspired our faculty and enriched the lives of countless numbers of cadets. He was a truly wonderful person. I will miss him.
Mike Phillips
May 30, 2013
Dr. Erdle, You were a remarkable man in so many ways. How lucky I was to have crossed your path. You were the consummate teacher, leader, business developer, philanthropist and friend. I will miss your counsel and endless range of ideas and imagination. You extended a generous hand to my family and I and we are most grateful. Your life stories leave behind a legacy of inspiration that will make us power through this difficult time. Our hearts are deeply saddened by your loss. Thank you for all you did for JMark and our family. I will miss you dearly. My sincere condolences to Ms. Carolyn, Mick, Terry, Patti, Ann, and Marti.
May 30, 2013
Phillip Erdle was my Dynamics instructor at the University of Colorado while he was working on his PhD. He was a great teacher - imaginative, thorough,
considerate and inspiring. We were fellow Air Force Officers in the AFIT pro-
gram. It was a pleasure and honor to know him. I offer my condolences to
Carolyn and the rest of his family. B.W . Ryan, LtCol, USAF, Retired
Debbie Lee-Clements
May 30, 2013
Ann and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I have a lot of fond memories of time spent at your home. Your Dad and Mom were always so kind to all of us.
Monty White
May 30, 2013
As one of the beneficiaries of Dr. Erdle's small business development, I will miss his guidance and diligence. I rejoice in the assurance of life everlasting.
Jayson Lewis
May 30, 2013
My son Brad and I had the honor of meeting General Erdle at General Lyon's birthday party just a month ago. If first impressions are any indication, General Erdle embodied the old cliche of "an Officer and a Gentleman". Thank you for being so kind and encouraging to my son who wants to become an Officer in the USAF. May God bless General Erdle and his family.
Diane Valdez-Eubanks
May 30, 2013
Phil, you will never be alone the Lord is with thee always, even in your last moments until he carried you away in his arms. Thank you for being such a generous person, my sisters and I will always remember your thoughtfulness.
May 30, 2013
My condolences to Phil's family, staff and friends. He has to be one of the most pleasant, hardest working and most inovative people I've ever known.
Rick Layman
Luis Cuadra
May 29, 2013
My sincere condolence
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