Phillip Mowad

Mr. Phillip J. Mowad, age 81, passed away February 4, 2009. Phil owned and operated M & M Fence Co. for almost 50 years. He was born November 15, 1927 in Boston, MA and grew up in Fort Hancock, TX. He joined the US Army in 1948 and was assigned to the 3rd Signal Company, 3rd Infantry Division during the Korean War. As the company cryptographer, he decoded the message for the forces to retreat from the Yaloo River in China. He remained in contact with his Company until his death. After being discharged from the Army, he moved to El Paso in 1952, and graduated from Texas Western College in 1955. Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Nellie Mowad, his wife, Theresa M. Mowad, and his brother, William J. Mowad. He is survived by his much loved half sister, Josie Mowad, stepmother Rahme Mowad, Aunt Yvonne Grice and Doug Grice, and children Kenneth P.J. Mowad, Jean Mowad, Lori Mowad-Paquette, Dianne C. Mowad, and Paula T. Nelson and son-in-law Kenwyn G. Nelson Jr., his grandchildren, Kim Paquette, Philip Paquette, and Kenwyn G. Nelson III, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was deeply loved by his special family Rosa Lee Shreve, Jeanette "Punkin" Bandy, Jimmy Lee Hughes, Johnny Lee Hughes, Janet Lee, and Jackie Hughes. Phil will be remembered as a dedicated fence businessman, most notably recognized for building "the tortilla curtain", his kindness and generosity to all, his love of travel and adventure, and his enjoyment of cards and poker games. As Phil always said, "Take the points!" Memorial Vigil will be held on Monday, February 9, 2009 at 7:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel Harding Orr and McDaniel, 320 Montana Ave. Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 11:30 AM at St. Patrick Cathedral. Inurnment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with military honors. Honorary pallbearers include Eddie Mowad Sr., Raymond Mowad, Richard Salem, James Karam, George Haddad, Cornelius Burns, Afif Chehedeh, Richard Lyon, Dennis Maus, Frank Younis and Charlie Mansour. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Harout Shahanian for his loving kindness and exceptional care throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America at www.SupportVeterans.org., 7 Mill Brook Rd., Wilton, NH 03086, or the University of Texas at El Paso Scholarship Fund. Services entrusted to Funeraria del Angel Harding Orr and McDaniel.