Phillip Allen Elliott

Philip Elliott, 83, beloved husband, father, uncle, and grandfather, passed away 12/11/23 at McAllen Memorial Hospital in McAllen, Texas. He was born in Illinois but lived his life in multiple states and two other countries. He lived a long life full of travel and adventure. He was proud of his time in the Navy where he served as a fighter jet pilot, later becoming a flight instructor teaching pilots to land on carriers such as the Lexington. He retired from the Navy after 20 years of service as a Lieutenant Commander. He additionally joined TWA and rose through the ranks becoming a Captain while traveling the world. He was a patriot. When Desert Storm broke out, he volunteered to fly American troops from Rome to Afghanistan for several months earning him a commendation from the Navy. Even after retirement, he continued to travel regularly. He often chose a destination simply because he had never been there. He made it his objective to go to every continent and visit as many countries and territories as possible while experiencing as much of their culture as he could. He never hesitated to take the road less traveled, try local foods or share his pipe with people he encountered along the way. He was happiest when traveling and always claimed his favorite country was the one he had just left. He also kept in touch with tour guides or others he met during his travels, receiving a message from one of them as recently as early December. Immediately before his passing, he visited his 207th country/territory. He had a love of learning and was continually learning something new. He learned how to make stained glass windows and taught himself how to play several musical instruments. He loved toy trains and built an entire village for his trains, he loved collecting unique items from his travels, Opera and Broadway shows (Les Misérables being his favorite), the Rockettes, singing, classic movies/ music and so much more. He was also very generous to all those he felt needed assistance including several children from the World Vision program for over 20 years. He loved his wife of 36 years, his dog Baxter, his children and his grandchildren beyond measure. He was an active and loving grandfather and has left his grandchildren with countless memories of their times together including, but not limited to, professional level hide and seek games. His loss will be felt for the rest of their lives. Philip was predeceased by his parents, Donald (Kitty) and Lois ( Bob), and his sister, Glenda. He is survived by his wife, Alice, his sister, Vannette, and his children: Greg (Cathy), Steve (Kelly) and Cheri. He additionally leaves behind his grandchildren: Michael, Brandon, Austin, Tristan and Taryn, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation and Rosary will be held Monday, December 18, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kreidler Funeral Home, 314 N. 10th St. in McAllen, Texas. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 1108 W. Hackberry Ave. McAllen, Texas 78501. Graveside Services will follow on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the San Jose Burial Park, 8235 Mission Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78214.

Tributes

Phillip Allen Elliott

December 11, 2023