Ernest Leroy Phillips, 84, of Huntsville, Texas passed away November 5, 2012 at Park Manor Rehabilitation in Conroe, Texas, with his daughters at his side.
Ernie "Bud" Phillips was born in Cestos, Oklahoma on November 17, 1927 to Lillie Eva Waldo Phillips and Emery Phillips who have both preceded him in death.
Ernie was an accomplished and respected pilot, with over 30,000 logged flight hours and 1100 Arctic Circle crossings, who was a pioneer in the Alaska aviation industry utilizing the first Lear Jets in support of the oil and gas industry in Alaska. Ernie was a problem solver who often introduced design improvements for the aircraft he operated though never formally trained in industrial design.
Ernie is preceded in death by his beloved wife Louise, to whom he was married for 64 years and whom he lost 6 weeks before he died, and by grandson Richard Todd Cassidy and great grandson Lane K. C. Halliwell.
He is survived by his daughter Elaine Halliwell of Huntsville, TX and his daughter Marianne Head and husband James of Humble, TX and grandchildren Chris Halliwell of Jacksonville, FL, Kim Farmer of Sebring, FL, Casey Halliwell of Jacksonville, FL, Jeffrey Head of Austin, TX and John Head of Poulsbo, WA. He is also survived by 6 great grandchildren.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 2 p.m. November 15, 2012 at the Brooke Funeral Home Chapel, 672 FM 980 Huntsville, Texas 77320. Contributions may be made to the Rita B. Huff Humane Society - 530 Bearkat Blvd., Huntsville, TX 77340
Source: Anchorage Daily News, Anchorage, Alaska, Friday, November 16, 2012
