Edward Lee "Ed" Phillips

Funeral services for Ed Phillips, age 71, will be held 11 A.M., Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at the Cowboy Church of Leon County in Centerville, Texas. Rev. Keith Bowman will officiate the service assisted by Pastor Tuffy Loftin and Pastor Jack Smith. Ed will be laid to rest on his property north of Centerville. The Phillips family will receive friends from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M., Tuesday, December 11th at Walters Funeral Home in Centerville.

Pallbearers: Dixon Davis, Strawberry Clifton, Justin George, Nick Hinze, Jim Bob Bigon, Larry Schatte

Honorary Pallbearers: Rick Goode, Robbie Robinson, Jeff Beshears

Edward Lee Phillips was born March 4, 1947 in Houston, Texas to Clayton Edward & Dorothy Mae (Colburn) Phillips. He was raised in Aldine and graduated from Aldine High School. Ed received a Bachelor of Animal Science degree in 1969 from Texas A & M University. He was active in countless Ag judging teams throughout his time at Texas A & M. During his Senior year in college, Ed met the love of his life, LaNell Leudke. The two were married in February, 1972. Determined to live in the country, Ed went back to college and received his Master’s degree and teaching certificate from Sam Houston State University in 1972. Following the completion of student teaching in Buffalo, Texas, Ed was hired full time. He and LaNell made their home in the country between Buffalo and Centerville, and Ed served as an Ag Teacher at Buffalo High School for thirty-four years.

Ed held a strong work ethic and never turned down an extra job opportunity. He worked as an auctioneer during his teaching career and continued to auctioneer after his retirement. Ed traveled many miles each week and often kept long hours for various auctions in the area. He also made himself available to help his own children, as well as, his students in 4-H and FFA competitions.

Ed enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Houston and Dallas Safari Clubs. Ed was especially happy when he was able to take his grandchildren on hunting and fishing excursions, just as he had taken his own children. He imparted on them a love for the country and livestock, and also a love for wildlife, of which they will never forget. This was also evident in the many students that crossed Ed’s door throughout the thirty-four years he was an Ag teacher. He left a lasting legacy for his family and his community that will forever be remembered.

Ed had lived in Leon County since 1972 and was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Centerville. He passed away December 8, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family and loved ones. Ed was preceded in death by his father, Clayton Phillips; brother, Jesse Phillips and sister-in-law, Frances Phillips.

Surviving family members include mother, Dorothy Phillips of Aldine; wife, LaNell Phillips of Centerville; son, Sloan Phillips (Veronica) of Spring; daughter, LaNei Cadenhead of Centerville; brother, Rick Phillips (Robin) of Magnolia and grandchildren, Trevor Cain Phillips, Madelyne Reese Cadenhead and Jake Sawyer Cadenhead, as well as, numerous extended family and special friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 505, Centerville, Texas 75833, or the Ed Phillips LCYLS Scholarship Fund, 1123 CR 273, Buffalo, Texas 75831.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home in Centerville, Texas.