Col. Philip N. Gustin, DVM

Col. (Retired) Philip N. Gustin DVM Dr. Philip N. Gustin, DVM, 87, Retired United States Army Colonel, died Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Visitation will be from 9:00 am; Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am, Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at LifeChange Church Wichita, 10225 E. Kellogg Dr, Wichita. Graveside Service will follow Kansas Veterans' Cemetery, Winfield, KS. Philip was born on June 22, 1936 to John and Mary Gustin of Fletcher, Ohio. He was an only child. Philip learned self-discipline and his hard work ethic early in life growing up on the family farm working alongside his father. They had a dairy and crop farm. He has continued his family farm with the aid of another farmer. In High School he was busy with 4-H Club where he showed Jersey cows at the Miami County Fair. He was captain of his basketball team and ran track. He specialized in the mile. He played the sousaphone and enjoyed singing. He also enjoyed church activities. He attended The Ohio State University earning his degree in Veterinary Medicine. He met the love of his life (Janet) at a 4H dance while on break from college one weekend. They dated and she agreed to share the lifelong journey of becoming a wife to a military man. They were married for 59 years, until God took Janet home. Philip joined the Army right out of college as a First Lieutenant. Thus, started the military life. Philip and Janet became parents to two children, Kathy and Philip Scott. One of the first assignments was a tour in Japan. The family moved all over the states and he had a tour in Viet Nam in 1971. He earned a Bronze Star for that assignment. They also had a great tour in Germany and traveled with the family all over Europe on family vacations. Philip decided to retire from the Army in 1986. They built a lovely home in Florida and lived there until they eventually made their final move to Kansas in 1998. Philip and Janet were active in every church they attended. They sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, Bible Studies and took on rolls as Junior and Senior High Youth when stationed in Leavenworth, Kansas. After moving to Wichita, they became active members of Central Christian Church where he continued to sing in the choir. Philip and Janet were an integral part of a Marriage Mentorship program. They mentored many engaged and married couples. Philip continued to be a part of a men's group and a great bible study that met weekly. He also mentored men one on one. Here are some personal thoughts he shared: "I did not seek wealth, power or fame. My joy was centered in family, church and country. Music was an important pathway to worship: beautiful hymns, uplifting praise and worship songs, and great choir anthems. My greatest comfort was found in God's word. My greatest hope is the eternal life which comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, God's Son. His favorite book of the Bible was Hebrews. One of his favorite passages is Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Philip is survived by his daughter, Kathy Jackson; son, Philip Scott and his wife, Patricia, Gustin; grandchildren, Jacob Jackson, Joshu, Gloria “Gigi,” and Josiah Gustin. The family would like to thank you for the prayers and support throughout this journey. We are comforted by the outpouring of love. A memorial has been established with: His Helping Hands, Inc., 1441 E. 37th St. N., Wichita, KS 67219. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.

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