Gary K. Phillips

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Washburn University

Gary Phillips Obituary

Phillips, Gary K. In loving memory of my husband and our father, Gary Phillips who died in his home in Green Valley, Arizona on February 1, 2009 after a battle with cancer. His father was F. Clinton Phillips and his mother was Faye Phillips. Gary was born at Christ Hospital on September 21, 1936 in Topeka, Kansas. He attended Topeka Public School and Washburn University. While attending Washburn University, Gary worked in advertising sales for The Topeka Daily Capital. He then went on to become an automobile salesman and during this time of selling automobiles, he obtained his pilot certificates. On January 15, 1962 Gary married Patricia M. Swanson from Newton, Kansas. She served as a reporter for the Topeka Daily Capital and also worked on President Kennedy's Council on Youth Fitness in Washington, D.C. On April 15, 1964 Gary went to work for Executive Aircraft in Kansas City, Missouri as an aircraft salesmen and pilot. Executive Aircraft was owned by Dan L Meisinger of Topeka, Kansas. Shortly after joining Executive Aircraft, Gary and Patricia moved into a new home in Overland Park, Kansas. On May 27, 1965 Gary and Patricia welcomed their first child, Scott Phillips and on July 23, 1967 they welcomed their second child, Elizabeth (Liz) Phillips. After 34 years with Executive Beechcraft, Gary started his own aircraft company, Jet America Sales in April 1998. Patricia Phillips, his wife of 40 years died on February 29, 2002 after a long struggle with Multiple Sclerosis. Gary remarried on May 4, 2005 to Christel Micheal of Charleston, West Virginia. They then planned and built their dream home in Quail Creek Country Club in Green Valley, Arizona. They moved into their dream home in December, 2006 and Gary continued to run his business Jet America Sales, which bought and sold corporate turbojets. These were the fun days living in Green Valley and where they met the best of neighbors. Every day was a holiday in paradise. Gary is survived by his wife of 4 years, Christel Phillips and her family; his children Scott Phillips and Elizabeth Phillips; and his sister Darlene Diel and her family. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Cancer Society.

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

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch from Feb. 5 to Feb. 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Phillips

5 Entries

Cindi Sanders

February 17, 2009

Dear Chris,

I was so thrilled when you and Gary found each other, and love the second time around. How sad I am for your loss. I'm sorry I never had the chance to meet Gary; I know how happy you two where. Please know that my prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time.

With love,

Cindi

Ross England

February 8, 2009

To Gary

As was your passion, you are once again among the clouds. God bless.

Jack E. Koehlar I

February 7, 2009

So sorry to hear of your loss.

Gary will be missed by his all old flying acquaintances. I never knew Gary well, but Gary was the kind of person one never forgets. I am glad I had the pleasure to know Gary.

I first met Gary in Topeka in 1964 when I was flying for Capitol Air Service. Later, 1984 - 1992, I flew as a charter pilot for the Meisingers out of both their Topeka and Kansas City FBOs. I often ran into Gary and had short conversations with him when I was flying out of Executive Beechcraft at the Downtown KC airport and the Meisingers' St. Louis EB FBO.

I retired from flying in 1992 and hadn't seen Gary since.

You are missed Gary. See you soon.

Happy Landings, Jack

Mary Klund

February 5, 2009

Gary Phillips was one of the nicest people I have ever met. I know he is in heaven.

Kathryn Kruse

February 5, 2009

Scott and Elizabeth,
We are very sorry to learn of your dad's death. He was my first cousin, as his mother and my dad were brother and sister.
I remember you two as little children when you used to come up our farm and we would go fishing over at the pond and such cute and sweet children you were and I know you still are.
Anytime that you are anywhere in the area I would love to see you again.
Scott, remember when you and your dad flew up here to go hunting and it had snowed, and it was quite a trip for you?
You two have our deepest sympathy, and lets keep in touch, OK?
Love,
Your Cousins,
Larry and Kathryn Kruse

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