Currently living in Keller, Texas, Colonel Phelan had a long battle with cancer and found peace with his passing while surrounded by loved ones.
Born on October 7, 1940 in Superior, Wisconsin, Colonel Phelan grew up in North Dakota and Washington state. After enlisting in the US Army, Col. Phelan attained several degrees including a Bachelor of Biological Science from North Dakota University, an MBA from Pepperdine University, and a Master of Science from Florida Institute of Technology. During his career, Colonel Phelan received numerous decorations, medals, and badges for his service in Vietnam and Iraq. In addition to his military achievements, Colonel Phelan lead many peacekeeping missions for the United Nations, most notably Kuwait, Cambodia, Kosovo and Liberia. Colonel Phelan was the director for logistics and communication operations. His service truly made the world a better place with his global impact.
Survivors include his loving wife, Margie Goode Phelan, of Keller, their children: daughter Jamie Bird and son-in-law Timothy Bird, daughter Kaitlyn Phelan, and daughter Elizabeth Phelan and future son-in-law Donny Phinney and grandchildren Sophia, Amelia, Eloise, Suzannah, and soon to make an appearance, Baby “Muffin” Phinney.
From his first marriage, Colonel Phelan is survived by former spouse, Justine Tarrant and their children Peter Phelan, Patricia (Phelan) Smith and son-in-law Richard Smith, Paul Phelan, Patrick Phelan and daughter in law Megan (Fitzroy) Phelan, and grandchildren Joshua, Megan, Olivia, Jordan, Michael, Lillian, and Brooklyn.
Colonel Phelan is preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Cloa Phelan, father, Edward Phelan, mother Myrtle Burkhart, along with two brothers. Survived by his sister Patricia (Phelan) Briggs and brother-in-law Lawrence Briggs.
Although Colonel Phelan made a positive impact world-wide in his career, he will mostly be remembered as a loving father and doting grandfather.
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