Thomas Edison Phillips

In loving memory of a Patriot member of America’s Greatest Generation, the family sadly says farewell to Thomas Edison Phillips, 91, who passed away after a brief illness on April 30th. He was living with his daughter and son-in-law in Beaumont at the time. Tom was born at Pendleton, LA. He lied about his age to join the Army with his brothers to serve in World War II. He served in the China/Burma/India campaign. While in service, he was assigned to the famous Merle’s Marauders fighting unit. After his service, he returned to Louisiana to work for Sun Oil surveying the Louisiana and Texas coasts. He attended LaTourneau College in Longview and Rice University studying drafting and engineering and made a career working in fabrication of ordinances, heat exchangers, and in the early 70’s at NASA on the Apollo 11 program. He lived in the Beaumont area in the 50’s and 60’s, again in the 70’s and also in Lumberton from 1974 to 1984. He then moved to Garland TX, where he lived until he became ill. Up to January, he lived by himself, drove, worked out, and attended Senior Center dances at least once a month. He was predeceased by his parents Ernest Phillips and Belle Barber Phillips, sister Vera Chance of San Augustine, brother A.D. Phillips of Beaumont, brother Harvey Phillips of Vidor, brother Carvey Phillips of Many, LA, brother Bill Phillips of Beaumont, and brother Billy Gene Lampkin of Beaumont. Mourning his loss are his two daughters, JoAnn Sanders (Wayne) of Laurel Hill, FL, and Julie Eggert (Bill) of Beaumont. He also leaves a sister, Betty Phillips Hanes of Beaumont, 4 Grandchildren, 8 Great-grandchildren, and 4 Great Great Grandchildren. Daddy was all about family, even the most extended and far away family, and he touched the lives of many. He was a Baptist and a Christian, and a true inspiration. Funeral will be Saturday May 6th at 3:00pm at Claybar Funeral Home in Beaumont. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Daddy’s memory to The Wounded Warrior Project or to Buckner Children’s Services.