Roll Call Tribute

Tyrone Wayne Phillips 

December 11, 1938 - July 21, 2023 

T. Wayne Phillips, 84, of Wichita, Kansas, went home to the Lord on Friday, July 21, 2023.

Born on December 11, 1938, in Dallas, Texas to Edgar Lois and Marion Salisbury Phillips, he was proud of his Texas heritage. A Christian from a young age, Wayne met his future wife, Joan, while at Church - she was only 14. 1960 was an eventful year, as Wayne graduated from Texas A&M University (Go Aggies!) for his Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, and subsequently married Joan on August 19. He then attended Oklahoma University for his Master's in Aeronautical Engineering in 1961 - the same year that his eldest son was born. Finally, Wayne received a Masters in Business Administration from Dallas University in 1966. Aerospace and being a pilot was a large part of his existence, and this bled into both his personal and professional lives.

Before moving to Goddard, Kansas, Wayne refurbished a single-engine Piper aircraft in his garage. To the horror of his and Joan's parents, Wayne would pilot Joan and their three children Marcus, Alisha, and Jeremy to different places for family vacations. After moving to Kansas, Wayne enjoyed a 25-year career at Learjet investigating plane crashes, working on experimental aeronautical technology, and flying to over 25 countries making business contacts.

Even a larger focus of his life than Aerospace was his love for God and spreading God's word and teachings. He went on Mission Trips to Guatemala, Indonesia, and China. In retirement, Wayne taught English as a second language to people from all over the world, and made many friends in this manner. His love for other cultures was obvious in retirement, as Wayne and Joan loved to travel to other countries and visited 22 together. Wayne shared his love of aerospace and travel with his grandchildren whenever he could. From the Grand Canyon, to space camp, to shooting rockets in the backyard, to a 5-star restaurant in the mountains, there were many aspects of life that Wayne shared with his family. He instilled values of perseverance, determination, and independence in his family.

Wayne has an extensive family and friend network. He is survived by his wife, Joan; sister, Sandra Turrentine; daughter, Alisha (John) Bond; sons, Marcus (Emily) Phillips and Jeremy Phillips; granddaughters, Alexandra (Joseph) Sims, Isabella Bond, Olivia Phillips, Caroline Phillips, Kate Phillips, Maggie (Julian Liby) Rich, Lynn (Mike) Holsapple; grandsons, Christian Bond, Jamison Bond, Charlie Phillips, Andrew Phillips, and Kurt Rich; honorary grandchildren, Cindy Chen and Joshua Tu; cousin, Donna Pelletier; nephews, Monte, Brent, and Chad Turrentine, Jason Slackney; niece, Laura Fought; and brother-in-law, Gregory Rutledge (Paula).

Memorial Service will be at 10:00 am, Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Central Christian Church.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.