1921
Lawrence
2010
Lawrence J. Phillipp
April 5, 1921 — February 8, 2010
La Feria, TX:
Lawrence John Phillipp, 88, passed peacefully into his new life Monday, February 8, 2010 at Harlingen Medical Center with family members at his side.
Lawrence was born on April 5, 1921 in La Feria, Texas, the first born son of Albert and Sophie Phillipp. He was a farmer all his life and loved the land he worked. As a youth, he was active in the 4-H and his Hereford calf, Oscar, was awarded Reserve Champion in 1941. Lawrence graduated from high school in 1939 at St. Joseph Academy in Brownsville, Texas.
He proudly served in the United States Army Air Force from September, 1942 until his honorable discharge on February 11, 1946. He married Evelyn Stopak on June 5, 1951.
After the war, Lawrence settled into a dedicated life of family, farming, church and community involvement. He participated in all farm-related cooperatives. He was a fertilizer distributor for Mid-South Chemical Corp. for many years. Lawrence served on the Board of Directors of the Santa Maria Water District and as Trustee of the Santa Maria Independent School District. For many years Lawrence was a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus at the Keralum Council in Harlingen. He was also a faithful member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in La Feria, where he was a member of the Holy Name Society.
Lawrence had a knack for being able to fix anything with whatever he had on hand. He loved being with people and could put a smile on anyone’s face. He also made the best pork ribs ever. His family and friends will deeply miss his love and his smile, humor and laughter.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Evelyn; children, Dr. Kathleen Phillipp (Dr. Randy) Daniell, Becky (Mike) Meyers, Mike (Patricia) Phillipp and John Paul Phillipp; siblings, Francis (Mildred), Steve (Mary Anne), Rita, Brothers Paul and Albert and Sisters Mary Ann and Bernadette; grandchildren, Kimberly and Courtney Daniell, Melissa, Jeffrey and Ben Meyers, Zahn Phillipp and Tara Macias; and great grandchildren, Julianna, Jade and Caleigh Macias.
Visitation will be held at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home in Harlingen on Thursday, February 11 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a Rosary to follow at St. Francis Xavier Church in La Feria at 7 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February 12 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church in La Feria with Rev. Gabriel I. Ezeh as celebrant. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park in La Feria with military graveside services under the auspices of American Legion Post 205.
Pallbearers will be Mike Meyers, Jeffrey Meyers, Dr. Randy Daniell, Greg Schreiber, Donald Phillipp, Richard Lievens, Carl Bauer, Jr. and Steve Wolf.
Memorial contribution may be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Building Fund in La Feria or to a charity of your choice.
Lawrence John Phillipp, 88, passed peacefully into his new life Monday, February 8, 2010 at Harlingen Medical Center with family members at his side.
Lawrence was born on April 5, 1921 in La Feria, Texas, the first born son of Albert and Sophie Phillipp. He was a farmer all his life and loved the land he worked. As a youth, he was active in the 4-H and his Hereford calf, Oscar, was awarded Reserve Champion in 1941. Lawrence graduated from high school in 1939 at St. Joseph Academy in Brownsville, Texas.
He proudly served in the United States Army Air Force from September, 1942 until his honorable discharge on February 11, 1946. He married Evelyn Stopak on June 5, 1951.
After the war, Lawrence settled into a dedicated life of family, farming, church and community involvement. He participated in all farm-related cooperatives. He was a fertilizer distributor for Mid-South Chemical Corp. for many years. Lawrence served on the Board of Directors of the Santa Maria Water District and as Trustee of the Santa Maria Independent School District. For many years Lawrence was a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus at the Keralum Council in Harlingen. He was also a faithful member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in La Feria, where he was a member of the Holy Name Society.
Lawrence had a knack for being able to fix anything with whatever he had on hand. He loved being with people and could put a smile on anyone’s face. He also made the best pork ribs ever. His family and friends will deeply miss his love and his smile, humor and laughter.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Evelyn; children, Dr. Kathleen Phillipp (Dr. Randy) Daniell, Becky (Mike) Meyers, Mike (Patricia) Phillipp and John Paul Phillipp; siblings, Francis (Mildred), Steve (Mary Anne), Rita, Brothers Paul and Albert and Sisters Mary Ann and Bernadette; grandchildren, Kimberly and Courtney Daniell, Melissa, Jeffrey and Ben Meyers, Zahn Phillipp and Tara Macias; and great grandchildren, Julianna, Jade and Caleigh Macias.
Visitation will be held at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home in Harlingen on Thursday, February 11 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a Rosary to follow at St. Francis Xavier Church in La Feria at 7 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February 12 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church in La Feria with Rev. Gabriel I. Ezeh as celebrant. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park in La Feria with military graveside services under the auspices of American Legion Post 205.
Pallbearers will be Mike Meyers, Jeffrey Meyers, Dr. Randy Daniell, Greg Schreiber, Donald Phillipp, Richard Lievens, Carl Bauer, Jr. and Steve Wolf.
Memorial contribution may be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Building Fund in La Feria or to a charity of your choice.
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