Dr. Philip S. Metz

Dr. Philip S. Metz

June 21, 2022

Dr. Philip S. Metz, MD, FACS, Captain USNR, originally from Omaha, NE lost his battle with Parkinson's disease on June 21st in Wilmington, NC at the age of 77. Phil graduated from Creighton Prep High School, Loras College, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He completed his residency in General Surgery at Oakland Naval Hospital, a fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Utah Medical Center, and a fellowship in Hand Surgery in Derbyshire, England.

Phil had many professional appointments which included Chairman of the Plastic Surgery Department at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at UNMC, Chairman of the Trauma Department at Lincoln General Hospital, Senior Plastic Surgeon at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Lincoln, Chairman of the Board of Medical Examiners for the State of Nebraska, Director of the Oral-Cleft Palate Team for the State of Nebraska, he was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and was one of the original contributing authors and instructors for the Advanced Trauma Life Support Program. Phil founded Plastic Surgical Arts in Lincoln, NE where he practiced for 23 years before retiring to Wilmington, NC.

Phil was a patriot serving the U.S. Navy, retiring after 30 years of service with the rank of Captain in the Medical Corps. He was involved in Smile Train and CURE International, participating in several surgical missions to both Africa and Afghanistan. He also conducted two free clinics weekly for 10 years in Wilmington, NC to give back to the underserved. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and enjoyed skiing, boating, dancing, and reading. His family though was the most important part of his life, and he will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Dianne, and their four children: Amy Thomas (John), Dr. Wendy Peterson (Kyle), Dr. Stephanie Bird (Jeff), Robb Metz and four grandchildren: Caitlyn and Carter Thomas and Kali and William Peterson. He also is survived by four sisters: Gwen Neff (Jerry), Mary Rae Gibbons (Armand), Katherine Trenolone, Stephanie O'Keefe and a brother, Anthony Metz (Diane) and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Tuesday, June 28th, from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by Rosary/Vigil service at 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, June 29th at 10:30am at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 6116 Dodge St. in Omaha. Graveside service with Military Honors: Wednesday, June 29th at 1pm, Omaha National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to American Parkinson's Association or Fund for Retired Priests at Creighton University. To view live broadcasts of the Services, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the "View Live Cast" button on the home page. Arrangements by Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Rd., Omaha. 402-391-3900; www.heafeyheafey.com