Phillip Edward Gabrysch passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at the age of 74. Phil left this earth peacefully, surrounded by his beloved family and friends.
Those of us privileged to know Phil remember him as a kind and God-fearing man who fiercely loved his family. His friends had to suffer endless stories about his sons and grandchildren. No father was ever prouder of his family.
As a child, Phil developed a love of baseball and often pretended to be a Yankee’s professional playing against his brother Wayne, the awful Dodger’s professional. That love of baseball thrived to adulthood and blossomed into countless hours spent coaching youth baseball while teaching his sons to love the game as well.
As an adult, you would often find him on the golf course thrashing his sons, brother and close friends. He loved life and there was no better sight than that glint of orneriness that sparkled in his piercing blue eyes as he schooled his opponents according to the Phil Gabrysch Rules of Golf (aka “Senior Rules”). Phil also enjoyed traveling to Coushatta to donate his hard earned money to the rich and famous with his dear friends every summer. In all his escapades, you never saw Phil with a single hair out of place.
Phil enjoyed a successful career that allowed him to provide for his family and teach his sons the value of a strong work ethic. He began his career in 1972 and quickly climbed to President and CEO of Mid-Coast Savings and Loan from 1984 until 1993. From there he spent two years as Branch President at Prosperity Bank. In 2003, Phil transitioned from the banking industry to the automotive industry where he worked as the Sales and Finance Manager at Von Dohlen Motor Company until he partially retired in 2009.
Phil also loved his community and actively served in various capacities throughout his life. He was honored to give his expertise as Treasurer for the Edna Country Club, Vice-President of the Edna Housing Authority, and he participated as a vital member of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. His love of baseball led him to organize the Edna Pee Wee League and serve as President of the Edna Little League where he coached for over ten years. His faith called him to serve on the St. Agnes Catholic Church Parish Council where he chaired the St. Agnes Church festival for several years. He also had the privilege of leading his fellow brothers as the Grand Knight of the Edna Knights of Columbus.
Phil was born in 1945 in Edna, Texas to Alfred and Lena Gabrysch who have preceded him in death along with his sisters, Mary Louise Hasdorff and Rose Fondren. He is survived by his two sons Ronald Gabrysch and wife Denise and Michael Gabrysch and wife Shannon; grandchildren Tristan Gabrysch, Trentin Gabrysch, Tavia Gabrysch and Taylor Gabrysch; brother Wayne Gabrysch and wife Agnes, sisters Gerri Etlinger, Patsy Blanchard and Judy Babbitt and husband Garvin.
Finally, Phil walked through life with joy and peace because of God’s grace bestowed upon him. Please join us in celebrating Phil’s journey to the final fairway at Parkway Church in Victoria, Texas on Friday, May 22, 2020 for a visitation beginning at 10:00 am followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am.
Honorary pallbearers will be Pat Cox, Jay Webber, Gilbert Melnar, Sonny Flores, Terry Wash and Brett Duckett.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
