Kevin Paul Phelps

Kevin Paul Phelps, 55, passed away on 1/31/2024 in Pensacola, FL. He was born to Marcia Phelps (nee Johnson) and Lloyd Phelps I in Fort Rucker, AL on Christmas Day of 1968. He was a 1987 graduate of Lincoln High School in Lincoln, NE, a 1992 graduate of the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and a 1998 graduate of Embry Riddle University.

Kevin was an outstanding athlete throughout his life. In 1977, he and his brother earned black belts in Taekwondo from the Ku Ki Won in South Korea. Wrestling coach Billy Selmon guided Kevin into wrestling- a sport in which Kevin was a fierce competitor. He was a 2nd place finisher at the 1987 Nebraska State Wrestling Class A championship 132 lbs., having pinned two of his opponents (1st round, semifinal match). He went on to wrestle under Coach Mike Denney for the University of Nebraska- Omaha Mavericks. He placed 7th at the 1989 NCAA Division II National Championships in the 134 lb. weight class, making him an All-American wrestler. He pinned at least one of his opponents in this tournament. He ran “like the wind” according to friend and fellow Marine, Ray “Frenchy” L'Heureux, and completed several marathons. He was always physically fit and active- he enjoyed everything from surfing, kayaking, skiing, cycling, golf, and tennis to kickball and “one-handed croquet.”

After graduating from UNO in 1992, Kevin was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant into the United States Marine Corps. He graduated from flight school in Pensacola in 1994, having his wings pinned on by his father- also a military aviator. He was a CH-53D pilot with the Red Lions. Kevin was a weapons and tactics expert and instructor, and a double expert shot. He achieved the rank of Major. He earned an MS in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle University in 1998 while in the Marines.

Kevin left the Marines in 2000 to fly for Hawaiian Airlines but was furloughed following 9/11. He later flew for local island tour companies in Hawaii and volunteered for three combat tours with the Marines – two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. One of these tours never quite left him. He was a Marines’ Marine and absolutely loved his Marine brothers.

Kevin had an incredible sense of humor and was fearless. Wherever he was, he was the life of the party. He has countless friends all over the world. More than one broken heart is left in his wake.

He is survived by his mother, Marcia Phelps (nee Johnson) originally of Kearney, NE now in Pensacola, FL; father and step mother Lloyd and Marian Phelps of Worthington, MN; son Brendan Horner of Lincoln, NE; brother Lloyd Phelps II and nephews Hayden and Collin of Maui, HI; sisters Jamie and Kelley Phelps both of Pensacola, FL; step-sister Vikki Knigge of Worthington, MN; step-brother Mike Bambrick of Riverview, FL; aunt and uncle Sally Johnson and Bert Curran of Lincoln, NE; several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service will be held in Lincoln, NE, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Lincoln Firefighter’s Reception Hall, 241 Victory Lane, Lincoln, NE 68528

Memorial service to be scheduled in Kailua, HI.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oaklawnfunerals.com for the Phelps family.