Lee E. Phillips, III
Lee E. Phillips, III
June 8, 1931 ~ April 12, 2020
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June 8, 1943 ~ April 12, 2020
Lee E. Phillips, III  The Phillips family is saddened to announce the passing of husband, father and grandfather Lee Eldas Phillips, III, of Wichita Kansas, who left this world Easter morning, April 12, 2020, at the age of 88. Survived by his beloved 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. Lee was a graduate of Wichita East High School. While attending the University of Kansas he was drafted into the U. S. Army and served in the Korean War. After the cessation of hostilities Lee returned to and graduated from KU and joined his father’s oil production firm. In 1960 he married Marlene Mohr, a marriage that lasted 59 years. A collector of American Art, accomplished golfer, and avid fly fisherman, Lee had a large love of life and a firm appreciation for what was truly important: living a good life with family. He was proud of his wife, sons, granddaughter and daughters-in-law and considered himself very lucky to have had a close friendship throughout his life with his brother, Innes. Lee enjoyed a successful career in the oil and gas industry. He 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 National Organizations of the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts of America, the Wichita Art Museum, and Woolaroc Museum, Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He also served on the Board and as the President of the Board of Trustees of Woolaroc. He strove throughout his career to maintain the high standards of business that personified his father Lee Phillips, Jr. and the determination and grit that exemplified his grandfather, L. E. Phillips, Sr., a co-founder of Phillips Petroleum Company. Lee also had a keen sense for business instilled by his grandfather Walter Pease Innes, Sr., owner of Innes Department Store. Lee took true pride in his Korean War service and was an American patriot through and through. Loved in life, passed in peace, 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). Till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com
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Marlene and family, I wanted to extend my condolences to you on the passing of Lee. It was my privilege and joy to know Lee through his uncle, Philip Rex Phillips, who was my client for many years. Lee and Innes brought great joy to Phil with their many visits to see him at the ranch home, Philson Farms . Lee would often stop in to see me, at the bank, long after Phil’s passing , while he was in town for the Woolaroc Museum board meetings . I always enjoyed those visits. My wife,Joyce, grew up in Wichita and remembers , as a child, the many visits she and her family made to the Innes Department Store . She tells how she was always fascinated with the revolving doors . Both sides of Lee’s family have made an impact on their communities . Both were families of not just prominence but character , integrity , benevolence and good will. Lee always epitomized those qualities of life. Marlene, I pray that God will comfort you in this your time of loss. God Bless, Stephen Colaw
Rest Lee, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation.
With our deepest regret our hearts go out to Lee’s family. It was an honor to have known him and to have spent time in his company.
Wonderfu man, loved our times whith Lee. Our symathies to all the Phillips.
We were saddened to learn of Mr Phillips passing – I know that both Lee & Innes were good friends of my father J Fred Hambright And were all comrades in the Kansas Oil Patch Condolences to the family – Marby & John Hambright ( Fred’s kids!)
Our hearts were saddened upon learning of the death of Lee Phillips III. Lee, his father and grandfather were the standard of the oil industry. We will pray for God’s grace and peace for Marlene and her family and for Innes and Karen and their family.
So sorry to learn of Lee’s passing…My condolences and love to the family.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.