Philip G. Cawrey
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Lawrence, Kansas – March 4, 2014 – Philip G. Cawrey peacefully began his journey home to be with the Lord, with the love of his life by his side. He was 82 years of age.
He leaves behind his wife of 63 blessed happy years, Phyllis. His three children: son, Stephen, daughter, Cathleen and husband Dann, and daughter, Caroline. He had eight wonderful grandchildren: Aimee, Elizabeth, Daniel, Cameron, Brandon, Megan, Kevin (preceded his death) and Amanda. Three great-grandchildren: Kaylee, Matthew and Paisley. He is also survived by many relatives and friends, who loved him dearly.
Born March 10, 1931 and raised in Los Angeles, California. Son of LaZelle and Philip Cawrey. He is preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Pace.
Philip attended college at UCLA in California. He was a member of Sigma NU fraternity. He worked for Aeroquip Corporation for 39 years . He was Vice President and General Manager at the Aeroquip plant in Lawrence, Kansas when he retired.
Philip was a devoted loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, Uncle and Friend. He taught his children to be kind, honest, respectful, good and loving. He was very loved and admired for the wonderful man he was in life. Respected by all who knew him. He was a great story teller! Whenever he was with someone he had many stories to tell about his childhood, historical events, alternative healing and fishing. He LOVED to fish. It was a great passion of his. His favorite fishing spot was Lake Shasta in California on his brother- in- law Ronnie’s houseboat. Philip could fix or build anything. He had a mind for solving the problem and fixing it. He had many gadgets that he invented. His most remembered would be PegMate, which he had a patent on. However, for his family and friends he made many things. He was a master with his woodworking skills. Philip and Phyllis were the best example of a happy loving marriage. The laughter and fun they had will be remembered by all who knew him. Philip had an infectious laugh that when you heard it, it made you smile. His laugh will live on in his son Stephen’s laughter. His constant sense of humor was with him to the end.
Philip is at the Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, Kansas. Per Philip’s wishes cremation will take place. A memorial service for family and friends will be on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. The service will be held at First Christian Church at 10th & Kentucky Lawrence, Kansas with Pastor David Rivers officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations be made to the Kevin Cawrey-Steffen Memorial Scholarship Fund at the KAW Valley Soccer Association in memory of his grandson, Kevin. Donations should be sent directly to the funeral home: Warren-McElwain Mortuary at 120 W. 13th Street Lawrence, Kansas. 66044-3402.
So sorry to hear of Phil’s death from Jack this morning. He was kind to me and my family during the brief time we knew him. Well wishes from Jack, Leslie and me during this difficult time and in the years ahead.
Phil was the best father-in-law a girl could ever have! He could fix anything and made all kinds of things for all of us.
From beds to toy boxes, hope chests to news paper recycle containers, spice rack to mail boxes. They were always perfect! We will all miss him very much. Lynn Cawrey
Although we knew Phil’s passing was eminent, it did not make the sadness we felt any less. He was a good friend to Bert and Bert enjoyed helping him in any way he could. Phil had a great sense of humor and surely will be missed by all that knew him. The positive side will be that he left a lot of great memories for his family and friends.