Phillip Buell

FARMINGTON – Phillip Buell, 82, long-time resident of Farmington, NM, passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2025 in his home surrounded by his loved ones. Phillip was born September 30, 1942 to the late Royce and Marilyn (Ekstine) Buell in Traverse City, MI.

Upon graduating from St. Francis High School, he joined the U.S. Army on September 26, 1961. Stationed in Ft. Hood, TX, he was awarded the U.S. Army Good Conduct medal as an Armor Crewman, where his main role was a tank gunner, and after the Cuban Missile Crisis (during the Vietnam Conflict), he served his unit as a Cook. Upon being honorably discharged on September 25, 1964, he held the rank of Specialist 4th Class (SP4). Because of his service, he became a member of the American Legion, Post 93, Farmington, New Mexico.

After his discharge from the Armed Forces, Phillip met Leilani (Lonnie) Holcomb in January 1965 and they were married on July 10, 1965. He made a living for them as a tree trimmer and meter reader for Consumer Power in Michigan. In 1971, they welcomed a daughter, Malissa Ann, and in 1974 they welcomed a son, Matthew Kneale. In 1978, he moved his family to Hanna, WY, to work as a laborer for Arch Mineral mine. In 1982, they moved to Farmington, NM, where he worked as a laborer for C & J Backhoe Service, then became a field technician for Tierra Corrosion Control. He retired in 2012 at 70 years old.

He was a wonderful, ambitious, and meticulous gardener, woodworker, and leather worker in his spare time. Among his most well-known and dearest memories from family were his wood creations of religious and heart crosses, miniature model-sized cabins, walking sticks, and any other wood pieces he found while on walks on the outskirts of town with his best friend, Fred Koontz. While on their walks, they collected rocks, antlers, and shell casings. He designed many pieces with leather, belts and wallets being his primary focus. As for gardening, he knew the exact times of year to plant his favorites – tomatoes, onions, and flowers. If he was not watering, he was pulling weeds and watching hummingbirds with his wife on the back porch. When not outside, he could be found playing Solitaire on the dining room table, or more so, sitting in his chair reading the newspaper, or watching The Weather Channel, news, old westerns, or various sports, especially if they were his Michigan teams. He always joked about getting an allowance to be able to shop for tools every Sunday at Sears.

Phillip is survived by his wife of 60 years, Leilani; daughter, Malissa (Ryan) Ingersoll of Farmington; son, Matthew (Alexandrea) Buell of Parksville, B.C., Canada; 10 grandkids Raymond, Marsha, Brandin, Matthew II (Jeremy), Nathan (Alanna), Eathan, Natalia, Thailia, Mason, and Samantha; brothers, Jerry (Karen) Buell and Alan (Sharon) Buell; sister, Chari (Jay) Schmuckal; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Phillip was preceded in death by both sets of his grandparents; parents; brother, Dennis Buell; and nephew, Gregory Buell.

Per his and the family's wishes, no memorial service will be held.

As requested by the family, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Make-A- Wish Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, or the USO, or your favorite charity in Phillip's name.