Funeral services for Wesley Ed Phillips will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov 18, at the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of North Dallas Funeral Home.
Ed was born in Brownwood, Texas, on Dec. 20, 1956. He graduated from Brownwood High School, before studying at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. While most of his adult life was spent in Dallas, he lived in Buffalo, N.Y., for several years — quite the climate change for a Texas boy. He had a varied and distinguished career, working as a young man for the telephone company, before starting a career in the funeral industry. He later moved into banking and finished his career managing a help desk at a local company. His career in the funeral industry prompted many stories and comments about the varied aspects of public service and human nature. He, like his grandmother before him, became an avid reader of obituaries. ‘We hope we did you proud with this one, Ed!’
He had a quick wit, quiet sense of humor; loved a tall tale and easily introduced himself to new friends. He attended the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, serving in the usher ministry and aided the community in other ways as well. He loved to travel; he enjoyed quiet time at home with those he loved. He was devoted to his dog, Bambi, who was a Katrina-rescue.
He left this world on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, after a long illness. He dealt with that illness with grace and dignity, rarely letting on that he was almost always in intense pain. He refused to let his condition prevent him from giving service to his church or community and or living his life to the fullest.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tyson and Jo Phillips, and is survived by his life partner, Randy Johnson; his sister and brother-in-law, Jeff and Ty Lawrence; three nephews, Tyson, Justin and Jamie Lawrence and their wives and children. In addition, Ed leaves behind his aunts, Katherine Pate of Dallas and Lucille Ratliff of Lawton, Okla.; close friends, Ken Kizer of Dallas and Jim O’Dea of Buffalo, N.Y; as well as a host of much loved cousins and friends. He was especially close to his cousin, Mary Ellen Irving and husband, Henry. His friend of many years, Ken Kizer, was vitally important to his care; many thanks to him for his love and support. And last, there is his beloved dog Bambi, who was always at his side. Ed will be greatly missed by all.