So sorry for your loss.  My heart goes out to you.
                                                 Sharon and Jerry Libsack

My name is Clarence J. Williams Jr., Lt Col USAF (retired). Col M. Phipps was my first boss in the US air Force. He was then a 1Lt and I was a 2Lt on Titan II missile crew force at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson , Az , 390 SMW , SAC (strategic Air Command). He got me off to a great start, insissting on getting my Masters degree, and volunteering for every additional duty that came alone. Every check ride that we took, we as a crew and individual scored HIGHLY Qualified. He was a strong and fair person and highly motivated for doing your best. With his help and guidance, I excelled and was promoted to the instructor shop early with very high scores on all evaluations. He set an excellent foundation for my life and military career. I just as of date 30 Nov 2024, learned of his passing. A wonderful and kind spirit. AMEN

Linda/Alan,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences and well wishes.  It is with great sadness that I write this memo to you but I wanted to express my feelings to you and the great admiration and respect I have for Mel.  I have wonderful memories for the great friendship we share and  I will hold on to those memories for the remainder of my life’s journey.  Mel has been a great mentor, colleague, and truly an Outstanding Air Force Officer who served our country with great distinction!  From the day we met in the mid 1980s, I knew immediately that he was a special individual with impeccable standards and a willingness to share his experiences with a young officer like me.  Mel is the epitome of Air Force Core Values:  Integrity First; Service Before Self; and Excellence In All We Do.  I couldn’t have worked for and with a person more dedicated to lead and challenge me as a young Air Force Officer.  It was an absolute joy to serve with such a wonderful leader and my Air Force career accomplishments are directly related to the efforts Mel poured into me.  God brings people into our lives for a reason and sometimes for just a season.  I was fortunate enough that God brought Mel into my life for a reason because I have benefited so greatly for having him as my friend and mentor.  I truly thank you and Alan for sharing him with me and I wish God’s blessings for you during this most difficult time.  I share your grief and I pray God will uplift you and strengthen you as you grow through this moment.  I will carry in my heart Mel's spirit of passion, compassion, dedication, determination, and impeccable standards and zest for life he shared with me.   I am regretful Mel has departed from us but God needs him now.  I stand strong with you and hold the shared memories of a great man I call friend, your husband, and Alan's father.  May God bless you and keep you strong.  John E. Camps, Col (USAF Retired).

I am his cousin Wanda Phipps Hall . I am so sorry to hear this. My dad was Willie . I think I only met him two or three times when I was young, but I have to say he was truly blessed to have uncle Paul and aunt Mary Bruce. They were very good people. If there’s anything I can do just let me know. Prayers for the family and I am so sorry to hear about Paul Gay Did not know it or I would’ve been there. I live in Jeffersonville Indiana. My address is 217 W. Park Pl., God bless all of you. 🙏🙏❤️

My condolences for your loss Linda.  I’m here if
you need to talk.  I’ve walked down this road.  It wasn’t easy going back home alone.  I found the first year the hardest since you will go through a lot of things you would do together, like eating out.  I done a lot by that by myself.  I will be praying for you.  Send me your address so I can send you a card.  Love, cousin Marie Singleton.

OBITUARY

Col. Melvin Phipps

January 30, 1941 – October 29, 2024

Leak Memory Chapel

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