Phili B. Deboo died at home in Memphis on April 30, 2021, of kidney failure and other ailments. He was born in 1932 into the Parsi Zoroastrian community of Bombay (as it was then known), India, the son of Beheram and Homi Kavarana Deboo. At the age of twenty, he came to this country to study at Louisiana State University, from which he received his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in geology. After teaching for two years at Eastern New Mexico State University in Portales, he moved to Memphis, where, for over forty years, he was a professor of geology in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Memphis (as they are now known). For much of that time, he served as chairman of the department.

Phili was a passionate and inspiring teacher, as is evidenced by the numerous students who have remained in touch with him over the decades. This same zeal carried over to his myriad other interests and to the many friendships that arose and endured from them. These included golf, racquetball, tennis, and (as he got older) walking; attending concerts and operas; and playing poker, both with old friends at home and new friends in Tunica. He was an excellent cook, often recreating his mother's Parsi-Indian dishes that he remembered from his childhood. He loved traveling and once remarked that he could never see an airplane flying overhead without wishing he were on it.

Phili Deboo is survived by his wife of fifty-plus years, Terese (Terry) Block Deboo; his daughter Ana Deboo (Douglas Ende) of Vashon Island, WA; and his children by marriage (whom he helped raise) and their families: Katherine B. Steuer and daughter Lena Soares of Memphis; Joseph Steuer (Erin Fitzgerald) and daughters Beatrice and Clara Steuer of Long Island, NY; and Sally Steuer (Thomas Williams) of Redwood City, CA.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Phili seldom left home after March 21, 2020. For that same reason, no celebration of his life will be held at this time.

The family requests that any donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, stjude.org; or to the Earth Sciences Enrichment Fund at the University of Memphis, memphis.edu/development/waystogive/honor-memory.php.

He wrote his own epitaph, and his family agrees that it is apt: "He did not fool himself."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily Memphian on May 10, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Phili Deboo

Sponsored by Tennessee Cremations, Inc..

8 Entries

Chuck Cobb

May 2, 2025

Remembering Phili and his vast knowledge of geology. A natural teacher, Phili explained patiently to me the Mississippi Embayment´ of which Memphis is a part.

Chris Clodfelter

March 18, 2024

Thank you Dr. Deboo for the opportunities you provided while I was a graduate student a Memphis State. Without these I would not have become the successful geologist I am today.

Peg McNaughton

February 21, 2024

Terry:
I made Phili's vegetarian red-beans for a potluck recently and decided to Google him. I am so sorry for your loss! He was a wonderful friend to my parents and colleague to my mom, Ann Metzger. I have many fond memories of you both.

Glinda Rhodes

October 29, 2023

Dr. Deboo is one of my most memorable college professors. Geology became a favorite subject due to his influence and I utilize the information I learned in his classes to this day. Well done, Dr. Deboo and thank you.

George Santulli

September 21, 2022

I had Dr. Deboo while at Memphis State in the 70s. I loved that class because his energy and passion for geology was infectious. His great interest in Shiprock, New Mexico led me to make a 150 miles detour on a trip to California just to see the formation that he often spoke of. Rest well Dr. Deboo, just well done.

Dan Bonnet

May 8, 2021

Phili was an endeared friend and mentor. The fond memories of the times we spent together will permanently be engraved in my mind. He will be missed.

Chuck Cobb

May 8, 2021

I have fond memories of serving with Phili on The Fairway Towers Board, and one memorable afternoon discussing geology at his office on the University of Memohis campus. A fine man.

Beni Bonucchi

May 8, 2021

Terry, we never met Phili, but we know you well. You may not remember, but we worked together at Armstrong Allen for many years and you served as our attorney in a grandparental visitation matter and served magnanimously. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family at this time. May God bless you and your family and hold you firmly in the palm of His great hand.

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