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Theodore Phillips Obituary
Ted had been a resident of the area for 39 years, moving from Sedalia. He had worked as a civil engineer for the State Highway Department. Ted was well known for his scientific study of the UFO phenomenon. He worked with The Center for UFO Studies in Chicago, Illinois and Mufon Research Group in Missouri.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Ginger Phillips of Reeds Spring. In Sedalia he is survived by his Aunt Beatrice Curtiss, many cousins including Teresa Walker, Steve and Peggy Phillips, Ron and Jan Phillips. Also Jerry and Liz Hopkins of Platte City.
Funeral arrangements were by Stumpff 's Funeral Home, Kimberling City. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Phillips
Shelby Gillihan
June 24, 2025
Ginger, I´m just now seeing Ted´s obituary.. I´m so very sorry to hear. It´s been many years since we last got together, but I still remember the memories and all the fun we had spelunking and talking ufology!
Hope you´re well and taking care of yourself, I know it´s not an easy adjustment. Larry Don passed away in 2012 of Lymphoma.. Wishing you all the best- Shelby
David Chace
March 3, 2025
I was honored that he accepted my friend request on social media. I don't think I ever had more a couple brief exchanges with him via email or social, but he was a gentleman and a serious-minded investigator. He was, without a doubt, the world's foremost authority on physical trace cases associated with UFOs. I put him in the same category as Hynek, Friedman, Vallee, Mack, Maccabee, Hopkins, et al., one of the pioneers.
Lars Jone Larsen
February 13, 2025
He was a workhorse of the rarest and toughest kind.A major contributor to the field.
Lars Jone Larsen(54).
Sonya Buckelew
August 6, 2024
I finally found this, now 4 years following the death of one of my most admired scientists, specifically, his courageous work on all things anomalous. My Sister and I had the privilege of being invited to Ted ("an astronomer") and his lovely wife Ginger's home during the 1990's through a work associate and brother to Ginger. We didn't know it at the time how instrumental Ted was in the field of ufology, but recall how he took the time to explain things in his small rotating observatory he had on his property there at their Missouri home. To our elation, that meeting stemmed an invite to a scientific expedition of the Joplin ghost light phenomena where we unexpectedly took part in a research study. Not long after that night, Ted graciously presented my Sister and I with a copy of the findings in a thin plastic binder, something that I treasured in the decades since. I still experience dreams periodically regarding that surreal night in Joplin, and wasn't aware that Ted had passed until I saw it on a television documentary pertaining to UFO's last year which saddened me greatly not just due to his contribution, but the kindness and inclusion he showed two people he had just met. Don't stop seeking, Ted.
RA Avila, Missouri
June 11, 2024
Just finished listening to a past podcast on Spotify of Ted speaking on the UFO: Whistleblower site. Very Good... One of the best ufologists I've ever heard... from right here in Missouri... I will continue to research his work. Prayers to Miss Ginger and family.
Mike London
November 25, 2023
Legend
Joffre cueva
October 10, 2023
I am sorry for your loss, the world needs more men like him.
Perry Mittelstaedt
August 19, 2022
I never had the privilege of meeting Ted, but as a ufologist with over 49 years in, I was very aware of his stellar investigative trace evidence work. He will be truly missed. My late condolences to his family and friends. Ufology lost a true giant in our world. Just know he was loved and appreciated by everyone. All my best to you, Ted.
andrew swartwood
July 2, 2021
im trying to think about what to say about ted and all that i can come up with is the world has lost such a huge amount of knowledge info perspective skills ect in the world of ufo investigation this man lived a life we could only hope for i know they made a tv show called project blue book about j allen well i hope the make one for you maybe moon shaft or all the thousand other cases you have been on you were our fox moulder from x files just real ted you probably forgot more about ufo cases than we will ever learn and im so sorry for your familys loss RIP you were the greatest investigator of the fringe
Alberto Brunetti
September 16, 2020
The news arrives late due to the communicative quiet of this pandemic. I am a researcher of the UFO phenomenon of the Argentine Republic. I am very sorry for the passing of Ted Phillips, undoubtedly the best researcher on the physical component of the subject. My condolences to his family and friends. I hope your research remains available as it should not be unknown to any self-respecting UFO researcher. Thanks Ted Phillips for the teachings!
Michel M. Deschamps
May 12, 2020
He was - and always will be - the leading authority on Physical UFO Landing Trace Cases. I corresponded with him a few times about the work he had done, and mentioned the landing trace case I personally investigated on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada...of which the photos were added to his collection. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and of his excellent work in the UFO field. His contribution of physical evidence related to UFOs is of tremendous significance, demonstrating the reality of the phenomenon. My condolences go out to his wife, family and close friends. Rest in Peace, Ted! - Former Provincial Section Director for MUFON Ontario; Michel M. Deschamps
Craig Caldwell
April 16, 2020
While re-watching the Brandon Chase 1993 film, "UFO'S ARE REAL," I happened from curiosity to look up Ted's contribution. The late Dr. Stanton Friedman had mentioned Ted's efforts, and I had read of them in several cases.
I was shocked over the news of his passing. My prayers are with you.
Bruce Widaman
March 18, 2020
Ted is a legend. He was a very good friend and a most dependable ufologist. He amassed more Physical landing trace cases than anyone else that I'm aware of. Thank you Ted, for your contribution to science; and getting us closer to the answers to our common mystery. You will be missed. Gods speed on your next endeavor. You made a difference in this world. Past State Director; Missouri MUFON; Bruce Widaman
RONNIE LEE
March 17, 2020
I remember Ginger from class of 62. Sorry for your loss.
Connie Koch
March 17, 2020
I remember when Ted and Ginger rented a little house in Sedalia from my parents, Carl and June Green, early in their marriage. It was located on South New York Street. I recall that Ted was into spelunking and I was most intrigued by his adventurous spirit which, I can see, he never lost. Heaven just got one new resident firecracker! Blessings be to Ted and prayers of comfort for Ginger and their family.
Thomas Ferrario
March 17, 2020
I woke up this morning with the same feeling I had with the loss of my father, do I really want to think of a world without Ted, that dry sense of humor he had that could turn your heart around and make a bad day not seem so bad.
His unique approach in dealing with people and sometime great skeptics of ufology, and change their minds in one visit with the scientific facts , hard evidence and a lifetime of dealing with this phenomenon. I was so thankful the day he agreed to take me on board and share his work with me. Ted was a nuts-and-bolts man in the beginning he had to have hard physical evidence but when the phenomena changed and morphed into something else he whent were the science led him that's why Stanton Friedman nuclear physicist respected Ted's work so much and became a close friend. Ted's life and work cover such a wide spectrum of scientific work that I doubt anyone can ever do it Justice and put it out to the public where he so wanted it to be, but we will try Ted !
Goodbye good friend and mentor !
Barbara Harris
March 14, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dixie and Brian Langenwalter
March 14, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Miss Ginger through this very difficult time in your life. May God give you peace and comfort through there days ahead.
Barb and Paul Reffitt
March 14, 2020
Ted was a great man with amazing stories. Our condolences at this difficult time to Ginger.
Thomas Ferrario
March 14, 2020
The best most driven professional ufologist there ever was, a good friend and mentor so long for now Ted !✝✡
Darlene Meyers
March 14, 2020
Ted was such a talented man and lived a very full life! I am thankful for the times we got to visit. Hearing about his passion in ufo research, music, and photography was fascinating! But most of all it was evident that he was passionate about the love of his life, Ginger! Ill never forget the way he expressed love and gratitude for her, one of the last times I had a chance to visit with him. They both shared a love for people and animals and through that have helped so many. Much Love to Family and Friends. Xoxo
Allen Benz
March 12, 2020
I knew Ted Phillips when I lived in Missouri. We investigated several cases together. We were both with APRO at the time. R I P old friend! Condolences to wife (now widow) Ginger.
Ted speaking at a conference
Margie Kay
March 12, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear of Ted's passing. Ted spoke at several of the UFO conferences I held in Kansas City, and everyone loved him. He was one of the best ufologists and researchers in the world and an excellent speaker. His contributions to ufology will never be forgotten, especially his work with physical trace evidence research and training. You will be missed, Ted.
LeaAyn Shurley
March 11, 2020
❤ Growing up I never realized I knew a legend, to me he was just Ted, Aunt Gingers husband, a cool guy, they took me to watch his sprint car races and he had a really cool big dog that he drove around in his convertible!!❤Later in life I realized, Ted Phillips was a legacy in the ufo community and such an amazing man! Josh Barr and I were so honored to go on a few investigations with him and see him speak at a convention in 2013. To see him in his true element was mind blowing. He was a great man, a leader in his field and will be greatly missed, by so many, us included! RIP Ted Phillips!!
Rev. Dr. Ray Boeche
March 11, 2020
Very sorry to hear of Teds passing. My sympathies to Ginger, and everyone who will be impacted by Teds death. Praying for peace and comfort in this difficult time.
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