Phillip Allen Lohec Sr.

Galveston has lost one of its treasured sons. With the love of family and friends, Phillip Allen Lohec, Sr. finally left the party - he wanted to stay - there was still so much love, life, wisdom and fun left in him, but God called him home. What a life well-lived.
Although Phil was a BOI, he and his parents, Pearl and Clement, and brother, Ronald, lived in Alta Loma, TX until he graduated from Santa Fe High School. His mama had to search every morning because, even as a toddler, he would wake up early and go out to play with his dog Lucky before everyone got up. His mama worried he was a sickly child, so she took him to a "doctor" who hooked him up to a contraption that beeped, blinked and zapped. It must have worked because he lived to age 88! That country boy continued to thrive and lived a full life. He had a newspaper route. He brought his BB gun with him on the route to hunt quail for his Mama to cook. He took the mail train to spend summers in Matagorda, TX with cousins and to shuck oysters for his uncles. He had two cows, Lady and Heifer, and would ride his horse Kelly to the movies in Alvin. He played high school football as a tackle. He developed a lifelong interest in Texas and WWII history.
Phillip proudly joined the Army and was stationed in Germany. He remembered winning the 105 recoilless rifle championship for his battalion. While most people received treats from home, Phil was thrilled to get home-canned black-eyed peas! Phillip cherished his time in the service: patriotism and the National Anthem always brought tears to his eyes.
After his military service, he returned to Galveston and worked at the City because he believed in making a difference. Phil's earliest role was to sign receipts for the Finance Department. The ladies in the Water Department would send their pretty, young, and smart co-worker to turn in the checks; those matchmakers succeeded! Phillip A. Lohec and Helen Kathryn "Kay" Bolton were married in 1963, sharing 62 years of laughter and love.
In 1965, along came Phil Jr. and a few years in Beaumont for Phillip to attend Lamar University to earn his accounting degree. He and his son shared many days riding a bike to preschool and university. The young family also joined and served at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Here, Phillip could show you the parking lot he had built or describe the still-thriving Men's Club he started.
Phil and Kay moved for a short time to Houston to work for Tenneco, and daughter Pamela Kay was born. But, the island called, and back the Lohecs came for Phillip to serve as Galveston's City Manager. His career evolved with many roles - Finance Department, City Council, Civil Defense team, a stint as an independent CPA, then to Galveston County to finish his career as the County Auditor. He was proud to be part of the Galveston community and honored to live life as a public servant. One of his favorite directives was "Just do something. If it's wrong, we can fix it. I can't do anything if you do nothing."
Phil found time to relish life with his Coffee Klatsch, visits to the VFW, trips to the ranch, building church homes at Guadalupe and at St. Peter's, camping, cheerleading, square dancing, learning to paint, sailing, learning to play the violin, beating everyone in board games, story-telling, attending Galveston festivals with friends, being the king of random facts, and recently joining the Sons of the Republic of Texas and Sons of the American Revolution. He knew everyone and made a difference to many. Galveston lost a devoted citizen as well as a voice of wisdom. Phil knew the stories, the history, and the people of Galveston and of Texas. We are heartbroken to have lost our husband, father, grandfather, friend and relative, but, sadly, Galveston lost a caretaker of its history.
After retirement, he continued living life to the fullest, from traveling solo to Asia to hopping on his e-bike around town. He loved his children, but those grandchildren - they were his pride, joy and twinkle in his eye - Matthew, Kate, Emily, Alyssa, Elizabeth, Benjamin and Annie.
Phillip cherished all of his loved ones and hoped you will join us to share your stories and to celebrate Phillip's life. The visitation will begin at 5:00 pm, Monday, November 10th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home, with a rosary beginning at 6:30 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 11th at 10:00 am, with reception to follow. The family kindly suggests memorials for Phillip be made to the Lohec Scholarship at Galveston College, Holy Family Parish or the Galveston charity of your choice.
Phillip is survived by Helen Kathryn Kay Lohec, his beloved wife of 62 years; his son Phil Lohec Jr. and wife Vaughn Catuzzi Lohec; and his daughter Pamela Lohec Stasney and husband Mark Stasney. Phil and Kay share seven grandchildren: Matthew Lohec and wife Jenna, Kate Stasney Abraham and husband Justin, Emily Lohec, Alyssa Stasney, Elizabeth Lohec, Benjamin Stasney and Anna Stasney. Phillip is mourned by many, many relatives, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and people he met and made a difference. He will be deeply missed.