Phillip is survived by his wife Carol and daughter Jennifer Gilbert (Tyrone),brother Dale Petrus,
nephews David,Benjamin, Christopher ( Alice), and Andrew. All live in Kansas City,MO.
He was preceded in death by his father Walter Petrus and mother Arlene Petrus.
Phillip was born on December 5, 1947 in Kansas City. He attended E. F. Swinney elementary school where he learned in the industrial class the art of woodworking. He attended Westport High School.
He graduated in the class of 1966. After attending a year at UMKC, he began employment with
Skelly Oil as a manager of one of service stations.
In 1969 he married his childhood sweetheart (Carol Jean Erwin) on December 27, 1969. In 1970 he served his country in the Kansas National Guard. One of the biggest joys in his life was the birth of his daughter, Jennifer Jean in 1978. As he worked with the oil company he became a manager/ trainer. When Jennifer entered high school, given her love for animals, she joined the FFA group at East High School and started showing sheep. Being a loving dad, Phillip pitched in countless hours helping Jennifer get her sheep ready to show. As Jennifer's FFA group came down to the American Royal to help with school tours she asked her dad if he would like to volunteer down at the American Royal? So, Phillip tried it out and liked it. Former maintenance manager (Bob Wolf) told Phillip since he was down here so much volunteering he might as well get paid for it, so Phillip joined the Maintenance team driving a forklift. He worked down at the American Royal until his death. He also volunteered at Starlight Theatre for 18 years.
In lieu of flowers you may make a contribution to the American Royal or Starlight Theatre in Phillip's honor.
A Visitation for Phillip will be held Tuesday, August 29, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will occur in Mount Moriah Cemetery South.
