After bravely battling glioblastoma for nearly 8 months, Phillip (“Phil”) Earl Minor, 77, of Morgantown, entered his heavenly home on July 12, 2023.
Devoted husband and father, Phil was the son of the late Phillip Archie Minor and Wilma Dale Minor. Born September 25, 1945, Phil proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1962-66 on the USS Hyades and USS Liberty. After being honorably discharged, Phil began his 25-years of service with Weirton Steel. His greatest honor, however, is when Sandra Sue Gibbs accepted his marriage proposal. Joined in holy matrimony on June 15, 1963, Phil and Sue just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last month.
Phil and Sue were blessed with three children, Phillip Craig Minor (Andrea Ziegler), Longview, Wash.; Kris (Jerry) Burner, Morgantown; and Kelly (Jeff “The Big Guy”) Halfin, Weirton. Phil considered Andrea, Jerry, and Jeff as “bonus” children, never in-laws. He loved them just as deeply and selflessly as his own and was overjoyed that his children all found their soulmates, just as he had with Sue. Phil enjoyed spoiling all “his girls” and was blessed with granddaughters Michelle Herrera of Palmdale, Calif.; Rowan Minor of Longview, Wash.; Kaitlyn Burner of Morgantown; and Dakota and Cassidy Halfin of Weirton. He is also survived by brother, Millard (Valerie) Minor of Philippi; sister, Kitty Chappell of Surgoinsville, Tenn.; and many nephews and cousins whose company he thoroughly cherished.
One of his greatest joys was having all of his children and grandchildren together.
The holidays were extra special and we will greatly miss his presence and prayers of thanksgiving he offered up to the Lord. Phil said he had known the Lord since he was a young man. As he aged, however, his faith in and reliance upon God’s grace was renewed and strengthened. From the time of his glioblastoma diagnosis, he told all of his doctors, “I’m either going home to 81 Windermere Lane…or I’m going home to my heavenly Father.” He knew that this world was only his temporary residence. Phil has truly passed through “the valley of the shadow of death” over the past 8 months. Though at times overwhelmed, Sue, their kids, and family members were all blessed with the opportunity to say and do all that needed said and done. Kris and Kelly told Phil that, when Jesus came to take his hand, to go in peace and we would see him again one day. Our lives will never be the same, but we know that Phil would not want us to mourn and grieve but, rather, to celebrate his time on this earth.
Pastor Jim Rhodes will officiate graveside services at West Virginia National Cemetery, 42 Veterans Memorial Lane, Grafton, WV., at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18. Military funeral honors and Masonic funeral rites will ensue. In lieu of flowers, please honor Phil’s memory by spending time with precious family members and loved ones. This is what he would do and what he would want for others. McCulla Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences:
www.McCulla.com
