Ronald Philips

Ronald J. (Ron) Philips - Ronald J. (Ron) Philips, 73, of Navarre, FL died April 28 following a lengthy battle with numerous internal cancers. Born Nov. 11, 1940 on the family farm near Bertrand, NE during a snow storm to Bryce A. and Louise M. (Canada) Philips. Graduated Bertrand High School in 1958 where he was participated in sports and school activities. Growing up in Bertrand, he was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist Church. After high school, Ron attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and was inducted into the Blue Key National Men's Honorary Fraternity. He also was a letterman in football and track. Ron graduated with distinction with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from NWU in 1962. He was also a member of Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. Ron was awarded a fellowship grant to attend Arizona State University where he received a Masters Degree. In 1964, he was hired by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as Principal Staff Assistant to administrator James Webb. Ron left NASA after several years of service in order to form his own consulting & business management firm. He later returned to NASA as Director of Technology Utilization /Government and Industry Affairs. He also taught at the college level. In 2001, he and his wife LB retired to Navarre. In his retirement years, Ron enjoyed Nebraska football, his grandchildren, traveling and was a voracious reader. He closely followed sports and politics and was a member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church of Gulf Breeze, FL. Survivors: wife, Lois (L.B.), son, Jamie (Robyn), grandson Ronald J. (R.J.) and granddaughter Hailey, all of Gulf Breeze, FL, sister Kay (Doyle) Lavene of Kearney, NE, brother Craig (Karen) of Loomis, NE, sister in-law Claudia Philips of Bertrand, brothers-in- law William (Wilma) Triplett of Ravenswood, WV, Frank Triplett (Greta) of McDonough, GA, Philip Triplett (Lynn) of Akron, OH, Homer Triplett (Shirley) of Clay, WV, Charles Triplett (Judy) of Warner Robins, GA, Russell Triplett (Delores) of Ravenswood, WV, stepdaughter Susan (Charles) Wheelock of Mt. Airy, MD and stepson Ken (Charlotte) Williams of Lothian, MD, four step grandchildren,three step great grandchildren plus numerous nieces,nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by parents; brother Gary of Bertrand. Memorial services only: Florida services will be held at the St. Paul United Methodist Church of Gulf Breeze, FL (4901 Gulf Breeze Pkwy - Hwy 98) on May 9 at 6pm. Visitation at 5pm. The Reverend Lance Whorton presiding. A memorial service in Bertrand, NE will be conducted on Thursday, June 5 at 11am at the Bertrand United Methodist Church (328 Minor Ave) with Pastor Mary Fuller presiding. Ron's cremains will be interred to the family burial plot at the Highland Cemetery in Bertrand at 10:15am, prior to the church services. Ron's family would like to express gratitude to everyone for their kindheartedness and support during his illness. Special thanks to the entire team at the Emerald Coast Hospice Home Care unit of Pensacola, FL. Memorials to: Emerald Coast Hospice Home Care,1555 N Palafox, Pensacola, FL 32501 or the St. Paul United Methodist Church, 4901 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563. Condolences may be left online at www.lewisfuneralhomes.net