Phillip Harrison Theis

Phillip "Phil" Harrison Theis, 86, of Hutchinson, Kansas, peacefully entered eternal rest on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Born on June 11, 1938, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Frank and Blanche "Betty" (Harrison) Theis, Phil went on to marry the love of his life, Ruth Ann Kelly, on September 1, 1960, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Hutchinson, Kansas. They celebrated a loving 65 years of marriage before his passing.

Phil placed great value on education. After graduating high school, he earned an Associate of Arts degree with a major in Biology from Hutchinson County Community College in May 1958. He continued his studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) from Emporia State University in May 1961, followed by a Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology from ESU in August 1964.

Phil’s teaching career began shortly after receiving his B.S.E. He taught biology and chemistry at Phillipsburg Senior High School until 1963, then moved to Olathe, Kansas, where he continued teaching until 1966. Most of his career, however, was spent at Butler County Community College (BCCC), where he taught a wide range of courses, including Microbiology, General Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Zoology, and Botany. He retired from teaching in 2001, but his impact on students was profound. Throughout his career, Phil received numerous accolades, including the Master Teacher Award from BCCC, Outstanding Teacher Award from the Black Student Union, Outstanding Faculty Member (Order of the Purple Award), Distinguished Faculty Award from BCCC, Golden Attitude Award from BCCC, Outstanding Coach Award from Olathe High School, Kansas Master Teacher recognition, BCCC Exceptional Educator Award, NISOD Excellence Award, and the Distinguished Citizen Award. He also played as a pitcher for Wichita State University and for many years held the record for pitching a no-hitter.

Phil was also deeply committed to serving his community. Whether judging debate tournaments, participating in advisory boards, sponsoring the Newman Club, or volunteering at the South-Central Mental Health Center, he was always eager to lend a helping hand. Additionally, he enjoyed presenting seminars, leading short courses, and teaching at his beloved St. John’s Catholic Church. He was an active member of several professional organizations, including the Kansas National Education Association, the National Association of Biology Teachers, the Kansas Association of Community Colleges, and the BCCC Education Association.

Outside of his work and community service, Phil was a devoted father and family man. He actively participated in the Washington School PTA while his three children were in school, coached a little league baseball team in 1974, and served as the Head Cub Scout Master for the city of El Dorado in 1981. His faith was central to his life, and he spent many years teaching and serving at St. John’s Catholic Church. He was a member of the Parish Council for several years and taught marriage preparation classes for engaged couples, as well as religious education classes for high school freshmen.

Phil’s legacy is one of dedication to his family, his students, and his community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Survived by his loving Wife, Ann, three Children: Kelly Singer (Keith Hanson), John (Deb) Theis, and Erik (Jennifer) Theis, Sister Karen (Jack) Ling of Colorado Springs, CO, Grandchildren Michael (Heather) Higgins, Derek (Kara) Higgins, Tyler Buck, Chelsea Buck, Adam (Moira) Theis, Jakob (Sierra) Stratton, Justin Johnson (Nikki Moore), and 6 Great-Grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 21, at 5:30 p.m. at DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary, 201 S. Hydraulic, Wichita, KS 67211.

On Saturday, March 22, a recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Teresa Catholic Church, 211 E. 5th Avenue, Hutchinson, KS.

In lieu of flowers, you can give a gift in Phil’s honor to the Butler Community College Foundation. This gift will help establish the Phil Theis Memorial Scholarship.

You can give securely online at https://butlerccfoundation.org/give/ or mail a contribution to Butler Foundation at 901 S. Haverhill Rd., El Dorado, KS 67042.