Frederick T. Philips Sr.

Frederick Thomas Philips died peacefully on October 28, 2015 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was born July 22, 1921 in San Antonio, Texas to Ford Hamilton Philips and Myrtle Wallhoeffer Philips. After graduation from Breckenridge High School in San Antonio, he attended Texas A&M University-College Station and earned a degree in mechanical engineering in 1943. While at A&M he was elected Captain of B. Battery Field Artillery, “The Old Man.” He was commissioned and served in the Third Corps Field Artillery, then trained at Yale University for services as Engineering Officer, Fifth Air Force. During service overseas, he was assigned to the 433rd Troop Carrier Group in the Pacific Theater where he earned five battle stars and three squadron Presidential Citations. As an Air Force Captain, he left the military and began a 37-year career with Exxon. His work took him to Baytown, Houston, New York City, Chicago, and Baltimore. His work was principally devoted to research, development, and administration for Exxon’s burgeoning plastics business. These moves were always looked upon as exciting adventures by the entire family.

On February 14, 1947 he married the love of his life Wilhelmina Sarah “Billie” Carr and together they raised three children – Fred, Joe, and Elizabeth “Betsy.”

He was strongly committed to his church, Trinity Episcopal Church, Baytown where he served as teacher, lay reader/minister, vestry member, Junior, and Senior Warden. A special source of pride was his design of the stained glass “Trinity Window” and his involvement in the church expansion.

His election to five terms as a Baytown City Councilman and mayor pro temp was a source of honor and great satisfaction because of the opportunities to work with citizens to improve the quality of life in Baytown. Dealing with the many flooding problems, and establishing the Emergency Medical Service were highlights of this period of service to his community.

For recreation, Fred loved to play golf at Goose Creek Country Club where he was a regular contributor to the “Mild Bunch” - as opposed to the wild bunch. At Goose Creek he was involved with the reconstruction of the golf course and served on the board. He was very proud of his hole in one! He was a passionate award winning artist working mostly with oils and watercolors. Painting Texas landscapes featuring bluebonnets in the Hill Country were an annual ritual to paint outdoors “en plein aire.” His stepfather had nurtured in him a love of the outdoors, fishing, and boating. He greatly enjoyed his time on the water out from The Houston Yacht Club on his motorboat “Lollipop” and his sailboat “Indecision.”

He is preceded in death by his devoted wife Billie, his vivacious daughter Betsy, his loving granddaughter Stacy Philips, and his beloved stepfather G.B. Droemer Also, his sister Dorothy and her husband Dean Crane. He is survived by son Dr. Frederick T. Philips, Jr. and his wife Merce of Corpus Christi, Texas; son Joe C. Philips and his wife Jody of Bryan, Texas; grandson Scott Philips and his wife Jennifer and their daughter Allison of Virginia Beach, Virginia; granddaughter Sarah Donate and her husband Miguel and their two children Marco and Sofia of Savannah, Georgia; and granddaughter Bea Steeves of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Also, two special nieces Linda Gore and Virginia Christian.

Fred will be remembered as an Aggie, a soldier, an engineer, and an artist. Most of all, he will be remembered as a husband, a father, a son, and a Christian - everything he did was done wholeheartedly and with conviction. As a member of the “Greatest Generation,” he appreciated opportunity, education, and hard work. He often said his life had been living the American dream.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mike Neff and his wonderful staff. Also, special thanks to the staff of Trinity Towers and New Century Hospice for their thoughtfulness and attention. Most especially we express our deepest gratitude to Rosie Chapa for her tireless support and loving care.

A Funeral Service is planned for Friday, November 6, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Baytown. Following will be a Committal Service and interment for Fred and his recently deceased daughter Betsy at Earthman Memory Garden Cemetery at approximately 12:30 p.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to: St. James School, 602 S. Carancahua Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401 or a charity of your choice.