Robert (Bob) Warner Phillips

Robert (Bob) Warner Phillips, 100 years, born on August 1, 1911, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, May 9, 2012. He was a direct descendant of El Paso's first mayor, Benjamin S. Dowell, and his wife Juana Marquez, the daughter of the Cacique, or tribal chief, of the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo Tigua Indians. He was proud of his Native American roots, and considered himself fortunate to have lived in the great city of El Paso, Texas, for his entire life, with the exception of his Army service during WWII.

Bob was preceded in death by the love of his life, Celia Pinon, to whom he was married for over 60 years; his parents, Federal District Clerk John Newton Phillips and Aurelia Gameros; his sister A. M. Chella Phillips, and his brothers Robert Austin and John N. Phillips Jr. When he was almost 18 years old, his father wrote that Bob “is developing into quite a good-looking boy....He is doing well at school, is very well-behaved, and is popular. What I most admire about him are his happy disposition, his tender regard for the feelings of others, and his fine intelligence. If he has courage and is spared, I am sure his life will be of some good to the world.” His father predicted both his loving personality and his success.

Bob was honored with a Texas State Senate Proclamation, through Senator Eliot Shapleigh of El Paso, as well as a Proclamation from the City of El Paso, from Mayor John Cook. On his 100th birthday, an American flag was flown over the Capitol in Washington, D.C., for him, and in El Paso, the Star on Franklin Mountain was lit in his honor. Anyone who knew him would say that Bob was intelligent, articulate, observant, talented, fair, caring, well-respected, patriotic and generous. He had deep Christian roots, as was shown in his depth of character. Though he had a quiet manner, he had a strong spirit, and greatly loved his friends and family.

He was an accomplished storyteller, enjoyed fixing things around the house, and was a talented, creative writer. His gentle strength and love of people was mirrored in his twinkling blue eyes. He loved learning, studying and mastering all he attempted. He embraced change, as evidenced by the gadget and appliance graveyard in his garage. As the patriarch of the Phillips family, he was the go-to guy for advice, handling stress gracefully, with wisdom and compassion. Bob was a man of his word, and his exceptional integrity made anyone who spoke with him want to be a better person. He had such an upbeat attitude that even his blood type was B Positive (B+)!

In his early years, Bob explored every inch of El Paso with his family. He learned about hunting, fishing, shooting, cars, fixing things, nature, protecting the environment, and sports, especially tennis. He was an active, do-it-yourself man, who never complained. His love for El Paso knew no bounds, and he gave generously to local charities. He was a proud member of the El Paso County Historical Society. He hiked all over the mountains and valleys of our city and beyond, including the ridge of Franklin Mountains by the Wyler Aerial Tramway.

After attending Morehead Elementary School, he went to El Paso High School from 1928 – 1931. As a member of the “E” Club for all four years, he was both a member of the ROTC Rifle Team and lettered in tennis each year, serving as captain of both as a senior. Bob won the El Paso City High School singles & doubles championships for three years, won District for three years, won Bi-District for two years, and reached the semifinals twice at the state tennis meet in Austin.

In his childhood and as a young man, he lived across the street from the El Paso Lawn & Tennis Club (EPTC), and Bob and his family became accomplished tennis players. Bob had been a member of the EPTC since August 1, 1926, longer than any other member. He, his wife Celia, to whom he was devoted, and his sister Chella were awarded lifetime honorary memberships, and the tennis pro's court, adjacent to the clubhouse, is dedicated to The Phillips Family. Between Bob, Celia, Chella, and daughter, Patty, they won 181 titles in El Paso, New Mexico, Arizona, and the greater Southwest., plus a few in Juarez, Mexico.

Bob won every tennis title available at that time in El Paso at least once, including Boys Junior singles & doubles, Men's singles & doubles, Southwestern Junior Veteran's singles & doubles, city Mixed Doubles with Celia six times, and the El Paso Men's Night Doubles League five times.

Bob wrote “The First Fifty Years” of the EPTC's history for the El Paso County Historical Society's magazine, the Password. A tree at the Club has been planted in honor of Bob and Celia. He quit playing tennis in his eighties, and enjoyed watching and analyzing current pro tennis matches.

Bob attended Texas College of Mines & Metallurgy, now UTEP, and worked as a partner at Allen Arms and Cycle Co. for ten years as an expert gunsmith. He was inducted into the Army in the first draft for El Paso. During his training, Bob and Celia visited 30 states. They played tennis together whenever possible, and Bob especially enjoyed Celia's playing the piano at the officer's clubs throughout the nation. A natural leader, he served courageously for five years, and reached the rank of Captain in the 782nd Tank Battalion, which was used in the 1944 movie, “Counterattack.”

In the summer of 1941, under the leadership of Gen. George S. Patton, Bob took part in the U.S. Army maneuvers in Louisiana as a motorcycle scout in the reconnaissance platoon, and his picture is shown in the July 7, 1941 issue of Life magazine. He always enjoyed reading about weapons, and even over the age of 100, he still coached target-shooting to his family.

After the war, Bob was the buyer and manager of Zork Hardware Company's sporting goods department for 31 years. Because of his unique expertise as an expert gunsmith, he became the preferred supplier of weapons to city, county and federal law enforcement officials. He had an absolute commitment to excellence and thoroughness in both work and at home, and remained grateful to God for all of his many blessings.

Bob is survived by his two daughters, Mary Jane Phillips Leonard and husband Ed, and Patty Phillips Snyder and husband Terry; four grandchildren, Patricia Adams, Katherine Leonard, Shari Flowers and husband Ethan, and Tammi Jarmon and husband Nathan; and five great grandchildren, Patrick, Kirsten and Austin Robert Flowers, Elijah Robert Jarmon, and Celeste Adams; as well as nieces JoAn Lopez and Edna Mae Lockamy, and many cousins.

A member of the Greatest Generation, Bob was a loving father, a faithful husband, a patriotic citizen and an American hero. His positive attitude, heroic devotion and contagious enthusiasm make this legend unforgettable. The family will receive visitors on Saturday, May 12, 2012, from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 4:00 o'clock, at Martin Funeral Home, 3839 Montana Ave. The Celebration of Bob's Life will be held on Monday, May 14, 2012, at 12:30 o'clock in the afternoon, at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1118 N. Mesa. It will be immediately followed by the burial at 2:00 o'clock, at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Road, El Paso, TX 79906, 915-564-0201. The family wishes to thank Carmen Galvan, Alicia Gonzalez, Felipa Day of Comfort Keepers, Diana Noriega and Martha Mitchell of Home Instead, and Dr. Motto and the VAHCC for the loving care that they provided for Bob. They also greatly appreciate Dr. Elfar, Dr. San Juan, Dr. Farrag, and all nurses, CNAs and staff at the University Medical Center for their compassionate care. Although he will deeply missed, his memory lives on with his family and friends to whom he was devoted. For those desiring, memorial donations may be mailed to the El Paso County Historical Society, P. O. Box 28, El Paso, TX 79940, 915-533-3603. A Lasting Memorial to Bob will soon be available on the internet at www.mem.com. ;

Martin Funeral Home, 3839 Montana Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79903, 915-566-3955.