Philip Lyles Torbert

08/12/1935 - 02/24/2026

Philip Lyles "Guz" Torbert passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, surrounded by his family in Callaway, Maryland. Born on August 2, 1935. He proudly told his story of how he made his entrance into the world in the back of a Model T Ford on the way to the hospital. He was raised in Beltsville, Maryland by his parents, Neville Simms Torbert and Roberta Freeland Torbert.
Guz was a devoted husband and father, deeply loved, respected, and cherished by his children. He proudly served in the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1953, to 1961, receiving an honorable discharge. He went on to build a 34‑year career as an installer and union representative with the Communication Workers of America (CWA), Local 2390.
For 58 years, Guz shared his life with his beloved wife, Leona "Barbara" "B‑Barb" Torbert, who preceded him in death on March 15, 2021. Together, they supported the Eastern Star Friendship Chapter 17, and were Northwestern High School graduates, instrumental in coordinating class reunions. Both were active participants in the Corvair club. In their spare time, they loved to travel.
Guz was also preceded in death by his sister, Frances Shipley and his son Anthony Jones. He is survived by his sister, Patsy "Pat" Kral, and his children: Linda Quinn (Jimmy) of Secretary, MD; Donald Jones (Lisa) of St. Inigoes, MD; James "Shannon" Wright (Janine) of Preston, MD; Frank Torbert of St. Inigoes, MD; and Bruce Torbert of Wellsville, PA. His grandchildren include Amanda Chovan, Meghan Ross, Samantha Torbert, Philip Jones, Spencer Wright, and Shelby Andrews, along with great‑grandchildren Kaiden Jones, June Wright, and Casey Andrews.
The family asks that donations in his memory be made to the Greenbelt American Legion. All services will be private at this time. Condolences may be made to the family at https://mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Homes, P.A & Crematory.