Philip Thomas Stepanski was born on November 14, 1934 in Anderson, TX on the family farm to Steve and Bessie Stepanski. He married Betty Louise Pigg on September 17, 1955 and just celebrated sixty-nine years of wedded bliss. They lived in Houston while raising their three children, Ronnie David, Deborah Katherine and Douglas Paul. Philip retired at the young age of 50 after 30 plus years with Armco National Supply. He and Betty then moved to New Waverly, TX to live out their lives close to their children, grandchildren and later, great grandchildren on the “Hill”.
He proudly served with the National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1959. Throughout Philip’s life he maintained pride in his Polish heritage; only referring to certain things in the Polish language. His heart was most full when his family was together for the holidays, BBQ cook-offs, making homemade sausage and wine and really any excuse for everyone to get together. Philip and Betty were always known to spoil their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but especially during Christmas time. Philip started making his from scratch Christmas cookies weeks in advance and putting his impeccable gift-wrapping skills to use, bows and all. On a normal day you could find Philip checking his mail, mowing his own yard, always being the first one in the school pick-up line for his grandsons, watching the news and always taking that mid-afternoon power nap that was not to be interrupted. If you knew Philip, there is a strong possibility you have one of his birdhouses, shelves, wooden chests, kitchen trash can or something that he crafted out of wood in his garage. He was a jack of all trades and was very meticulous on his notes and drawings for every project he had. The endearing terms he used to address you like, Charlie Brown, Young Man, Bub, Lulu, Lightening, Sister or Lady Bug would always brighten your day and make you smile.
Philip was called to be with the Lord on September 19, 2024 peacefully in his sleep. He is survived by his wife Betty, who he loved wholeheartedly. She will miss his love notes that he would leave when going to town for the paper and his thoughtfulness, always making sure she had a blanket to keep her warm. He is also survived by his daughter Debbie and husband Joe Thomas, his son Doug and wife Kim Stepanski and daughter-in-law Jennifer Stepanski. Philip was a hard-working, supportive and loving father. Even more so he was an extremely proud, caring and very giving PaPa to his grandchildren, Lacy, Jenna, Cory, Chase, Zach, Austin and Cameron and his 15 great grandchildren always showing them off at the annual Szymczak family reunion.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Bessie, son, Ronnie Stepanski, son-in-law, Bruce Krenek and was the last surviving sibling out of 8 brothers and sisters. Philip was a beloved husband, father and PaPa who will be deeply missed by all that loved and knew him.
Visitation will take place at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Rd. Conroe, TX 77303 on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 5:00-8:00pm with Rosary at 7:00pm. Funeral service will take place at Cashner on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 10:00am with a graveside service following in Anderson, TX at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church.
