Philip W. Debs Jr

On October 29 at 6:15 pm Philip W Debs Jr. passed from this life.

He was born on Oct 2, 1933 to Philip W Debs Sr. and Millie Edler Debs. At birth he was only 3 lbs. It was quite remarkable for those times that he survived. It is a testament to his strength, resilience and determination which served him well during his lifetime.

He grew up in Holladay and loved every minute. He said it was his favorite place he had ever lived. He made many lifelong friends there. His family then moved to Magna for his father’s job as an elementary school principal. He attended Cyprus High School for his junior and senior year graduating in 1952.

He enlisted in the army in 1954. He was stationed in Frankfurt Germany as part of the Army Security Agency. He was proficient in Morse code and decoding messages being sent. He finished his army duty and returned home in 1956.

He held many jobs and traveled the world extensively working in Saudi Arabia, Korea, Alaska, England, Venezuela, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia as a project manager for many big jobs. He kept in touch with many of the people that worked with him. He was highly regarded by them with many saying he was the best manager they had ever had.

He loved to fish and golf at any opportunity. He was able to do a lot of both throughout his life. Fishing the Weber River held many fond memories for him. Golfing with his family and friends brought so much joy.

He was an exceptional son, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was very present in all of his families’ lives; giving advice when needed and loving them unconditionally. He was always striving to help them learn and grow into the independent, successful people they are today.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Theron and daughter Nennette Debs and many dear friends.

He is survived by his children: Vicki (Todd) Inman, Denice Debs, Sheila (Josh) Sullivan, Millie Michelle Debs. His grandchildren: Cody, Curry, Carli, Eva, Emma, Erykah, Nadia, Ashanti, Mina, Ceca, Rayzelle, Haley, Sandy, Kassy, Isabella, and Ceca. His great-grandchildren: Isaiah, Renley, Blakley, Lennon, Cleo, Myla, Miles, Margo, Abbi, Westyn, Kaelyn, Waylon, Maddix, Zephyr, Giovanni, Katalina, Vea, Ava, Sawyer and Clara.

Phil was strong and independent for most of his life. In the last few years as his health and physical ability declined, he was lovingly cared for by his daughter and granddaughters living in St. George. They were so kind and attentive. All of his family was there to call, visit and support him in any way. There can be no better legacy than that to love and be loved in return. His family will always remember his “Bullshit Grandpa” as photos are being taken. His memory never failed him and we are grateful for all of the stories he shared.

There will be a viewing on Friday, November 6 from 9:30 am until 10:45 am with a service following at 11 am at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah. Phil is being cremated and his ashes will be buried next to his parents and brother on Saturday at the Tooele City Cemetery at 1 pm for anyone wishing to attend. The service will also be live streamed.