Phil Warren Neilson (86), of Tucson, Arizona, passed away on November 25, 2023. Phil was born to John and Lillian Neilson on October 12, 1937, in Hereford, Texas. He married Peggy Ann Henley on August 28th, 1957, in Spur, Texas, in Dickens County. After graduating from Stinnett High School in 1956, he attended Texas Tech from 1956 to 1957. Phil, Peggy, and their family moved to Tucson in 1961, where he continued his education at the University of Arizona, graduating in 1964 and then earning a master's in 1965.
He taught high school vocational agriculture at Amphitheater High School for two years and then started working at the USDA as a loan officer until retirement.
He played football in high school and was an enthusiast for the sport throughout his life, especially enjoying watching college teams. He also had a passion for genealogy and would regale listeners with tales of family history, which he painstakingly researched and verified, authoring many documents and books. He also helped friends and family locate and document familial gravesites. Phil always tried to help people with research and information, anything to further the project or ensure a successful outcome.
Phil was baptized at 13 and dedicated his life to serving the Lord. He served as an elder at The Church of Christ at 21st and Country Club Road for many years and will be missed by his lifelong friends and fellow congregants, whom he regarded as family.
Phil is survived by his wife of 66 years whom he cherished, Peggy Ann Neilson, and their four living children, Doug Neilson, Shelly Matulin and her husband, Mike Matulin, Bryan Neilson and his wife, Roxanna Neilson, and Anita Koppens and her husband, Mel Koppens. He was predeceased by his son, Paul Neilson, who married Lisa Neilson.
He is also survived by grandchildren Matthew Matulin and his wife, Tiffany Matulin, Shavara McDaniels and her husband, Richie McDaniels, Shayne Neilson, Rachel Matulin, Daven Neilson, Akasha Matulin, Erik Matulin, Sally Rae Neilson, three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by grandchildren Ramon Barron and Brady Neilson
A funeral service for Phil will be held Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at South Lawn Cemetery, 5401 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. A reception will occur Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706.
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