Hope this message is not too late to be included. I was a cousin to Phil and Kathy.  Our Mothers were sisters and best friends so we had holidays at each others homes quit a lot.  I remember Phil as always kind of mischievous, he loved to laugh and always had a good time.  We haven't seen each other since 1985 when we stopped in Houston for a brief visit.  Kathy, his sister kept us informed and we knew his health was not good.  We are so sorry to hear of his passing.  Sympathy to Jean, Kathy and all his friends over the years.
Linda and John Shebek  Prescott, Az

So sad to hear of Phils passing. He was our family friend in Iowa City. He was the older brother I never had. He was a kind and humble person. He drove my sister and I to school in his old rambler and when he did not want to admit to his folks that he had a leak in the gas pipe our job was to chew bubble gum and stick it on the hole so we would not leak gas, inventive and a problem solver. He and his sister Kathy were like family. Rest in peace Phil, my condolences to Jean and his family here in Iowa City

God Bless Phil, I will always remember our travels in NY and NJ 15 years ago.  We worked hard and had some fun in the evenings and once had an epic dinner at the Silver Mine Tavern some place in Connecticut.  Phil was the driver and it was before we had GPS and while I don't recall even having a map, but Phil got us to dinner and back and then it was back to work at the Target lab store the next day.  Phil was a great helper and gave it everything he could he also had some great stories!  Rest well my friend.  Steve Berg

On the professional side, I am happy to hear people speaking about the kind of teacher that Phil was, because he was surely teaching "Best Practices" long before there was a team at Nestle named to do that.  However, Phil was also one heck of a student.  Constantly on the look out for new ideas, information, and challenges.

On the personal side, I am saddened to learn of Phil's passing.  Phil was a good man (I remember after his retirement how pleased he was to tell me about his volunteering for Meals on Wheels with Jean).  He was a good friend.  He will be missed.  I will miss him.  Godspeed Phil. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.

Phil is a true gentleman. He was a teacher and friend to everyone and willing to help anyone in need. Phil was a great resource with a true wealth of knowledge of both life, PetCare and Space Management. I loved the time I spent with Phil at the leaning center in Irvine and St. Louis. He would always take my calls and answer questions as I was teaching myself Apollo. Thanks Phil for being a true friend and I have no doubt our paths will cross again.

My deepest sympathies to Jean and Phil's extended family.  I worked with Phil for ten years when I lived in Houston.  He was a great friend and I learned so much from him.  I've spoken of him to co-workers here that are doing similar work. I know he will be missed.  God bless you Phil.

Phil was kind to all who crossed his path.  My expereince of him was a man of great intellegence, deep compassion and dry sense of humor.  He was a joy to all who knew him and a gift that will be missed.  My thoughts and prayers are with the family as you heal and find peace.

What an amazing friend!  We spent many days together working, but that relationship grew into friendship.  I had so much fun with Phil and have nothing but fond memories.  He was a gentle and kind soul and his arrival in heaven was surely celebrated by all of the Angels.  I wish I had spent more time with him.  He will be missed.

I was deeply saddened by the news of Phil's passing. I worked with Phil for over 30 years in Houston. He was a wonderful friend. He was kind, caring and always the first to help. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss, my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

You were a dear friend and coworker who will be missed. I am glad I saw you for your last birthday. You are a legacy that will always be remembered.

Phil impacted not only Nestle Purina, but also those individuals he came into contact with.  We are all better for knowing him.  Rest in peace Phil.

My friendship with Phil dates back to 1975 when we both entered the MBA program at the Univerdity of Iowa. Phil was an Iowa City native, and knew, it seemed, everyone in the city. Some great memories of eating the famous Dunton chili in his basement in University Heights, and then walking to Kinnick Stadium to see the Hawkes lose, which they usually did in that era. Susan and I have been smiling this week as we talk about those days in Iowa City with Phil, our other fellow MBA students, and Phil's wonderful sister and brother-in-law, Katherine and Tom Lynch. After graduate school, several of us moved to Houston with new jobs, and Phil was a frequent visitor. Finally, he packed up his car and moved to Texas. More great memories of time spent in Galveston, Astro games, Gilley' Place, and just hanging out together. Phil was at Clear Lake Hospital, in January, 1982 when our oldest sin was born, with flowers for Sue, and a teddy bear for Andrew. When we moved to Denver later that year, Phil came to visit several times. One memorable visit was shortly after a record Denver snowstorm, which paralyzed the city. My parents wre visiting, and needed to get to the Amtrak station, but we had neither 4 wheel nor front wheel drive. Phil to the rescue, as usual, chaufering my parents through the snow in his front wheel drive car. We were so happy, so very happy, when he met Jean. His love for het was obvious, and his life complete. Sadly, we lost contact for many years, but about 5 years ago reconnected through the internet, and had several good phone conversations. Phil was the brother I never had. i loved him, and will misd him.

I spent many days with Phil, resetting stores, attending meetings and traveling across the country.  He was always a great work companion!  I will always remember him for his kind heart and wealth of knowledge.

I am truly saddened that we have lost Phil, but his light will shine bright forever.  Phil touched so many people throughout various organizations across the country and made us all better people; both professionally and personally.  He always took time to coach, mentor, and reward people never looking for anything in return other than the satisfaction that comes from helping others.  Phil was truly a remarkable man.  Rest peacefully, Phillip and may God bless the Dunton family.

Phil was my best friend. When I would work the far flung military bases, he would take PTO to ride with me. Two places he really enjoyed were Alaska and Key West. We ate reindeer sausage for hundreds of miles while he drove. Not just a few months ago, asked him to ride out to Texas City to Buc-Cees to get my grandson a T-Shirt. Even though his health was not particularly good, he jumped at the chance and drove me there. Phil was my best man at my wedding. RIP, Phil, I miss you-

Phil leaves a legacy behind in the Pet Category.  His finger prints can be found at retail today and will be for a long time to come.  Most of my (and many other colleagues) shelf and schematics knowledge is rooted from principles Phil taught us. Phil was generous with his time, passionate about our business, and kind and patient person.  My heart felt condolences to his family and friends.

Phil was a tremendous human being.  He was kind, thoughtful and always the first to offer help.  He will be missed.  May he rest in peace.

Phil was a great man. I have lots of fun memories from the Carnation Ranch S/A Meetings with him. He helped me thru the years on shelf. My heart goes out to the family. He will be missed by all.

I have know Phil for almost 20 years.  I am very sad to hear this news.  He was a great mentor of mine for many years.  When I was a Ralston Purina Account Executive in the late 1990's, he helped me with all of my retailer's Pet Department redesigns.  He was a huge competitive advantage for us!  I loved Philly D!!

My heart is empty hearing of our loss of Phil. Phil was the DNA of Purina Shelf Management. I have known and worked with Phil for 31 years and alway's looked forward to seeing him in Both Houston and St Louis.  I will be Praying for His Family and the Many Many people he touched in such a positive way.  I will greatly miss our many store visits in Both St Louis & Houston.  May God Bless You, Mike Evans

I have known Phil for at least 15 years.  He was a great guy and always willing to help any of us that needed him.  I am better for knowing him.  Rest in Peace Phil.

Phil was a wonderful and giving person who shared his expertise and knowledge with so many at Nestle Purina.  I feel honored to have had the opportunity to learn from him - he will certainly be missed.

Phil, earth's loss, but heaven's gain.  A truly wonderful person.  Phil, gladly helped me gain an understanding of schematics.  He will surely be missed.

Dietrich Jimison
Nestle Purina retree

Phil was a wonderful man.  I got to know him at work and we became friends.  He was always such a positive and giving person.  I am greatful to be able to consider him a friend

Phil was the hardest working person on the Team.  When something needed to get done Phil was there. I have many fond memories, dating back to the late 80's,of the great times working with Phil.  I'm gonna miss you Philly D.

Phil - you will remain in our hearts forever

Phil was a great friend with a kind heart - always ready to go the "extra mile" and help others.  Phil lived the Golden Rule.  When traveling to St. Louis, we had a standing date to meet in the Marriott bar to enjoy a Renaissance Burger (with peppered bacon) and discuss the latest plot twists of Jack Bauer in the TV series "24".  Phil was "one of a kind" and his friendship will be greatly missed.

Philip Best
Nestle Purina

So sad to hear about my friend Phil.  Phil was a very giving person, he once met me in San Antonio over the weekend, Texas to introduce me to HEB.  I learned so much from Phil, but we always had time to talk about his family and 2 dogs. 

Greg Norsworthy
Nestle Purina

OBITUARY

Philip Joseph Dunton

5 December, 1949 – 14 September, 2015

Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home & Cemetery

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