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Lee Phillips Obituary

The Phillips family is saddened to announce the passing of husband, father and grandfather Lee Eldas Phillips, III, of Wichita Kansas at the age of 88. Survived by wife, Marlene of Wichita; sons, Scott (Anne Yard) of Webster Groves, MO and Jamey (Anne Paar) of Portland, OR; granddaughter, Claire of Webster Groves, MO; and brother, Innes Phillips, Sr. (Karen) of Wichita; and cherished nieces and nephews. While attending the University of Kansas Lee was drafted into the U. S. Army and served in the Korean War. After returning and graduating from KU he joined his father's oil production firm. In 1960 he married Marlene Mohr, a marriage that lasted 59 years. Art collector, accomplished golfer, and avid fly fisherman, Lee had a love of life and an appreciation for what was truly important: living a good life with family. He was proud of his family and considered himself very lucky to have had a close friendship throughout his life with his brother, Innes. Lee was President of the Lee Phillips Oil Company and the CEO of Anchor Minerals, Inc., both in Wichita, Kansas. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the University of Kansas, Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, the Boy and Girl Scouts of America, the Wichita Art Museum, and Woolaroc Museum, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on whose board of trustees he once served as president. He strove throughout his career to maintain the standards of business of his father Lee Phillips, Jr. and his grandfather L. E. Phillips, Sr., a co-founder of Phillips Petroleum Company. His sense for business was also instilled by his grandfather Walter Pease Innes, Sr., owner of Innes Department Store. Lee took great pride in his Korean War service and was an American patriot through and through. Lee Eldas Phillips III, lived a long and blessed life. While Lee's family and friends are saddened by his passing, his spirit will live forever in their fond memories. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date in accordance with Covid-19 social distancing restrictions. In memory of Lee, the Phillips family respectfully suggests a donation to the Wichita Children's Home, 7271 E. 37th St. N. Wichita, Kansas 67226 (wch.org/giving.com). Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Apr. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Lee Phillips

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Alan Davis

May 15, 2020

We are sending our warmest sympathy. What a wonderful life and legacy.

Bob and Gale Kane

April 21, 2020

Marlene,
The Woolaroc family, staff and trustees, mourn Lee's loss. He was a delight in the Board meetings and a favorite of the staff when he visited the magnificent art treasures he and his family had donated to the museum. We will always remember his contribution of time, energy, ideas ,art, and good will to Woolaroc.

Don Johnston

April 19, 2020

To Marlene and family and to Innes and Family: I am so sad to hear about Lee.
He was an idol...the quite and fine Beta alum to me. I will miss him and keep the fond memories. Don Johnston, Alpha NU of Beta Theta Pi, Class of 1956.

Paddy Sinclair

April 19, 2020

His death leaves a deep hole in our hearts,
and an even deeper hole in the oil patch.
The extended Sinclair & Skelly Family will
miss our friend Lee Phillips.

JAY GETTY FAMILY

April 19, 2020

A true loss for Wichita, the State of Kansas and Bartlesville and the State of Oklahoma. While his Grandfather Walter Innes was financing Lloyd Stearman, Clyde Cessna and Walter Beech and their the Travel Air Airplane Manufacturing Co. of Wichita, his other Grandfather, Lee Phillips, Sr. and his brother Frank Phillips were opening up
their first Phillips 66 gas station on East
Central in Wichita. Now with the passing of Lee Philipps III, another link to our vital past, is gone. May Wichita and Bartlesville
produce more men that change the world.

Harry Simpson

April 19, 2020

Rest Lee, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Kay & Don Brada

April 19, 2020

Marlene:
We have lost a favorite cousin and friend. We will hope to celebrate his life with you soon

Sean McEnulty

April 19, 2020

While lee III was known for his affection for his wife Marlene, his two Sons, his Grand Daughter, his Daughter-in-law and his brother Innes, and also known for his success as an oilman, continuing his family's legacy that began more than a century ago in the vast oil fields underlying the Osage lands of Northeast Oklahoma; what was intentionally less well known, was that behind his piercing blue eyes and irreverent sense of humor was a socially conscious philanthropist who anonymously spent a good part of his adult life, assisting individuals and organizations who needed and deserved help. Lee lived a most remarkable life of 88 years. His spirit will live onward in his family's and his friends most celebrated memories. God speed to you Lee, and may God continue to bless the Phillips family.

Krista Dahlinger

April 16, 2020

Lee sure enjoyed his time. He was always ready for a new joke, his afternoon golf, and would report the latest on little Claire and what "Marlene said......". Many memories of Lee III to keep.

Karla Fulk

April 16, 2020

There is an empty spot left in the humor department since Lee left us. He loved to laugh and have fun and was so happy if he could make you laugh. You will be missed.

Gary Horchem

April 16, 2020

What a great man! I have pumped wells for him since about 1990. He will be missed.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory - East Wichita

6555 E. Central, Wichita, KS 67206-1924

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